ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः
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The Brihadeeshvara Temple at Thanjavur is the site of Brahan Natyanjali – an annual dance festival organised around the month of February every year, during the Hindu festival of Mahashivaratri.

Major classical Indian dance artists, as well as regional teams, perform their repertoire at this awe-inspiring dance festival Brahan Natyanjali over 10 days.


The Natyanjali Dance Festival is a grand celebration of culture and divinity which invokes the Almighty Lord Shiva, the greatest Cosmic Dancer of Hinduism. The dance festival brings together classical Indian dancers from all parts of the world.
A YouTube Video : Brahan Natyanjali – The Annual Dance Festival in Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tanjavur :
One thousand years of enduring glory.
Following the tradition nourished by Great kings, sages and scholars of Thanjavur, classical dancers from around the world gather at this venue every year to pay dance obeisance to the Cosmic Dancer Lord Shiva at the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Monument, the great Brihadeeshwara Temple.
This is during the Hindu festival of Mahashivaratri.
A YouTube Video : Brahan Natyanjali – The Annual Dance Festival in Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tanjavur :
Nimble feet, delicate expressions and deft Karnas by a host of colourful performers leave a lasting impression on devotees and art connoisseurs who throng Brahan Natyanjali, the international dance festival.
The dance festival is staged at the renowned Sri Brihadeeswarar temple (Big Temple) of Thanjavur every year.

It is verily a delectable dance propitiation of the Lord by the talented performers who make it a very memorable event for its duration of ten days from Mahashivaratri.
The Brahan Natyanjali Foundation conducts the event with the active support of the South Zone Cultural Centre and the Palace Devasthanams, Thanjavur.

Very senior as well as upcoming artists from various parts of India and abroad perform traditional dances at this festival that includes Bharathanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Odissi.












A YouTube Video : Brihan Natyanjali during Annual Navaratri Festival in Brihadeeshwara Temple, Tanjore
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Readers, Please Join the Conversation:
Your insights and experiences about Natyanjali dance festival of this temple are invaluable! Please share your thoughts in the comments section below to foster a vibrant community discussion about the classical dance festival of this temple and Tamilnadu’s other ancient temples. Let’s explore together and unearth the hidden gems that need preservation for future generations. Have questions or need clarifications? Feel free to ask—let’s learn and grow together!
2 replies on “Experience the Divine Bliss of Brahan Natyanjali: An Annual Indian Classical Dance Festival in the Majestic Brihadeeshwara Temple of Tanjore”
I am Dr Sumukhi Athani, kathak performar from Maharashtra. would like to participate in the upcoming festival at The Big Temple at Thanjavur. please let me know the procedure, how i can apply for the same. thank you.
Dear Dr. Sumukhi Athani,
Thank you for reaching out and for your interest in participating in the Brihannatyanjali Dance Festival at the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. It is wonderful to hear from a dedicated Kathak performer like yourself.
To apply for participation in the festival, I recommend contacting the event organizers directly. They typically handle the selection and scheduling of performers. You may want to reach out to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department or the temple authorities, as they are often involved in organizing these cultural events. Additionally, you could inquire with local cultural organizations or dance academies in Tamil Nadu that might have more specific information.
Wishing you the very best with your application, and we hope to see your performance at this prestigious festival on YouTube!
Warm Regards,
Mala Chandrashekhar
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Here are the contact details for the organizations mentioned in my previous response:
1. Tamil Nadu Tourism Department
– Website: [Tamil Nadu Tourism](https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/)
– Phone: +91-44-25333850 / +91-44-25333094
– Email: info@tamilnadutourism.org
2. Brihadeeswara Temple (Big Temple), Thanjavur
– Temple Office Phone: +91-4362-274476
– Address: Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India
– Note: It’s best to contact the temple office directly to inquire about cultural events.
3. South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur (often involved in organizing cultural events)
– Website: [South Zone Cultural Centre](https://szcc.tn.nic.in/)
– Phone: +91-4362-240072 / +91-4362-240073
– Email: szcc1986@gmail.com
4. Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram
– Phone: +91-44-24321920
– Address: Thiru-Vi-Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032, India
5. Local Cultural Organizations or Dance Academies
– If you are looking for specific dance academies, it would be best to search for Kathak academies or Bharatanatyam academies in Tamil Nadu, as they often have ties to cultural festivals.
These contacts should help you to get in touch with the right people and apply for the Brihannatyanjali Dance Festival at the Brihadeeswara Temple.