For a classical dancer, the dancing bells are of utmost significance, as it symbolises the harmony  of rhythm which has to be maintained between life, dance and music. Rhythm is like breathing, hence vital for existence and living, similarly the dancer has to maintain precise accuracy while dancing, which forms the highlight of classical dancing.

In order to ascertain the significance of the dancing bells, a ritual, a ceremony known as "Salangai Pooja or Gajja Pooja" has been organized by Saraswathy Kala Kendra and Research Centre (Mira Road) on Friday 15th July at Prabodan Thackeray Sabhagriha (Mini auditorium),Borivali, West. Young aspiring dancers will be blessed as their mentor, Guru Subitha Murali will conduct the ceremony of tying the dancing bells, while seeking divine intervention and blessings for the aspirants of Bhrata Natyam.

Guru Subitha Murali is an accomplished exponent of Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi and is the artistic director of Saraswathy Kala Kendra, which has trained several students and performed for various occasions. Subitha says "Saraswathy Kala Kendra has been existing for more than twenty five years, for the silver jubilee celebrations, we organised an international festival of classical and folk dancers, dancers from other countries like Nepal had participated and response was amazing. The Salangai Pooja is comparatively  a smaller attempt in encouraging young children to dance, am extremely glad to mention that Sangeeta Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has extended their valuable support in organising this event, which is part of Arangetram (debut performance by young dancers). The young dancers and their parents are looking forward to this event."

The young dancers will perform selected items from the Bharata Natyam repertoire, like the invocatory Ganapathi Kautvam, Jatiswaram, Sabdam etc and the highlight of the evening will be the dance-drama "Shakti" incorporating the divine and universal goddess. The dancers participating in this event will be Venkatesh Murali, Kaashika Tomar,Antara Banerjee,Brahmjot Kaur and Matharoo Kotian. THe dance drama dancers will be Venkatesh, Maitree, Kaashika, Shiveli, Antara, Brahmjot and Abhiram The musical orchestral team will be led by Guru Subitha Murali for nattuvangam, Shivaprasad for vocal, Prajesh Nair for mridangam, Satish Seshadiri for violin and Nandkumar for flute.

Looking forward to the classical evening of music and dance.

Event:

Salangai Pooja or Gajja Pooja

Organized by Saraswathy Kala Kendra and Research Centre (Mira Road)

Date: Friday 15th July

Venue: Prabodan Thackeray Sabhagriha (Mini auditorium),Borivali, West.