Latest news with #Mohiniyattam
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
HT City Delhi Junction: Catch It Live on 28 May 2025
What: Devotion Where: Convention Centre Foyer, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road When: May 26 to 30 Timing: 11am to 8pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) What: Jazz ft Nishtha & Noushad Where: The Piano Man, 32nd Avenue, Sector 15, Part 2, Gurugram When: May 28 Timing: 8.30pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Millennium City Centre Gurugram (Yellow Line) What: Mohiniyattam recital by Keiko Okano Where: The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road When: May 28 Timing: 7pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) What: Master Peace ft Madhur Virli Where: The Laugh Store, CyberHub, DLF Phase II, Sector 24, Gurugram When: May 28 Timing: 7pm Entry: Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro) What: Art Karat Jewellery Exhibition Where: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, 1, CBD, Maharaja Surajmal Marg, Shahdara When: May 28 Timing: 11am to 8pm Entry: Free Nearest Metro Station: Karkarduma (Blue Line)
India.com
20-05-2025
- India.com
10 Facts About Thiruvananthapuram City You Must Know
Apart from being the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a vivid combination of new and old traditions and culture. The city is situated in the southwest coast of India and has stunning views, rich history, and an array of historical sites. Below are some amazing facts about the city that every traveler, history lover, or fun explorer should know. 1. The Name Has Religious Significance In Malayalam, the term 'Thiruvananthapuram' means the city of Anantha. The word comes from Anantha Padmanabha, which a formation of Lord Vishnu, who is resting on the serpent called Anantha. The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most affluent temples in the world, is also located here and is known for its significance. 2. Home to One of the Richest Temples in the World Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is known for its religious value, but it also serves as a massive temple in India. The temple has an intense dom of power. In 2011, vaults of the temple were opened and gold, artifacts and a lot more was valued into several billions of dollars. This gigantic discovery gained a lot of attention globally and had a huge impact on India's history and culture. 3. An Evergreen City with Beautiful Beaches Thiruvananthapuram is called the 'Evergreen City of India' which is a gift from Mahatma Gandhi. It is a paradise for nature lovers because of its beautiful greenery, rolling hills, beaches like Kovalam and Shanghumugham. Kovalam beach is also famous for its crown shaped coastline which brings tourists from all over the world. 4. The First City in Kerala with a Planned Layout Thiruvananthapuram at first was a planned city under the domain of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal in the early years of the 19th century. The layout of the city is unique among other Indian cities because it shows colonial influences mixed with traditional Kerala architecture. Slowly over the years major institutions like University of Kerala, Technopark were established over time. 5. The First IT Park in Non Metro Areas of India Technopark, located in Kazhakuttom, is the first technology park built in non metropolitan areas of India opened in 1991. It has now transformed into a center for IT firms, Startups and innovation. With its vast campuses and modern equipment, Technopark is a big contributor to the economic growth and job opportunities in kerala. 6. Cultural Hub with Artistic Traditions Thiruvananthapuram is famous for its art, music, and dances from Kerala. The city conducts many cultural festivals during the year, especially the well known Navratri Mandala Vilakku in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. These are also promoted through educational institutions like Kerala Kalamandalam which specializes in various forms of classical performing arts such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Ottamthullal. 7. Educational Excellence The city has some of the most important educational institutions in the country. Examples include University of Kerala, College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). There are other reasons why the schools are very popular among students from all parts of the country, adding to the city's reputation as an educational hub. 8. Gateway to Backwaters and Wildlife Sanctuaries Thiruvananthapuram is the gateway to the backwaters and wildlife sanctuaries of kerala. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is just a short drive away and is home to a rich variety of plants and animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Other than that, Poovar Island is only reachable by boat rides through calm backwaters, showcasing some of Kerala's beautiful scenery. 9. Scientific Legacy As one of the major scientific cities of India, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is based in Thiruvananthapuram. The visionary Indian space program director Vikram Sarabhai's work center is capable of advanced technology development for India's satellite and launch vehicles, which puts the city within the limits of aerospace research internationally. 10. A Blend of History and Modernity Tourism in Thiruvananthapuram has a special place for historic features waiting to be appreciated alongside areas of modern growth. The British-era Napier Museum is not only accompanied by educational infrastructure such as shopping malls and multi theaters, but is also flanked by modern architectural feats. The former royal estate Kanakakunnu Palace has been transformed to serve as a host for cultural exhibits depicting the city's vitality. Conclusion An important and economically advanced city, Thiruvananthapuram is the best representation of the state of Kerala. With roots extending deep into temples of the olden days and being home to numerous tech businesses and educational institutes, the city is an epitome of contradiction and advancement. Be it deep diving into the cultural heritage, relaxing on the scenic beaches or sightseeing the architectural brilliance, tourists are bound to get an unrivaled experience from the capital city.
Gulf Weekly
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
Artistic showcase
The fourth edition of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) Indo-Bahrain Dance and Music Festival will continue tonight, with a Mohiniyattam group production titled 'Uchchila'. Methil Devika, renowned dancer and film star, will perform her own production which draws on inspiration from Muchilot Bhagavathi, a goddess believed to have originated from the sweat of Lord Shiva shed at the time of his stupendous dance on Mount Kailasa. On Friday, mother-and-daughter duo Asha Sharath and Uthara Sharath will perform Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form, at 7.30pm. The festival is being held at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall until May 16. For details, call 39691590 or 39617620.
The Hindu
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Nisarga festival brings top classical dancers back to Kozhikode
Big-time classical dance returns to the city on Monday (May 5). The two-day Nisarga dance festival, organised by Nrityalaya, promises some quality fare featuring some of India's leading dancers. And it could not have hoped for a better setting on these summer nights: the Kozhikode Beach. The second edition of the festival, which is supported by Kerala Tourism, will have performances in Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, three classical dances that are pretty popular in Kerala. But, it is not often that the city plays host to the big names in those disciplines. There used to be the Kozhikode edition of the renowned Soorya Festival, which brought the best of classical dancers, but that had a short life. So, for the dance lovers, the Nisarga festival offers hope. 'Kozhikode needs an opportunity to enjoy classical dance performances by our finest dancers, and that is why we at Nrityalaya decided to organise an event like this,' Bharatanatyam dancer Aswathy V. Nair, who is curating the festival along with her dancer husband N. Srikanth, tells The Hindu. 'Our children should be able to see what real classical dance is.' She is hoping to make this annual affair with the support from the government. 'Cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur have regular dance festivals,' she points out. 'And we also should have one. The Kozhikode Beach is an ideal venue, too.' On the opening day, Neena Prasad will present Mohiniyattam and Vaibhar Arekar will perform Bharatanatyam. Rama Vaidyanathan (Bharatanatyam) and Sreelakshmi Govardhan (Kuchipudi) will dance on the second day.
Hans India
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Dance as a career: Exploring Opportunities in India
Dance, once regarded primarily as a hobby or a cultural tradition, has today emerged as a dynamic and rewarding career option in India. With the growing significance of the arts across education, media, wellness industries, and global cultural exchange, dance now offers a wide array of opportunities for those who are passionate and committed. India's rich and diverse dance heritage—from classical forms like Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Mohiniyattam to vibrant folk traditions and contemporary styles—provides a strong cultural foundation for aspiring dancers. This cultural diversity has created an ecosystem where dancers can pursue various styles, innovate by blending traditional and modern techniques, and cater to audiences with eclectic tastes. Today's dancers are no longer confined to traditional stage performances. They are carving careers as performers, choreographers, educators, therapists, researchers, and even entrepreneurs. Opportunities exist across different sectors: performing at prestigious cultural festivals, teaching at renowned institutions, choreographing for films, music videos, and weddings, conducting dance therapy sessions, curating workshops, and creating digital dance content for global audiences. Many are also establishing their own dance studios, production houses, and wellness centers, using dance as a medium for physical fitness, mental health, and community engagement. Education and training play a crucial role in shaping a successful dance career. Institutions such as Kalakshetra Foundation, Kerala Kalamandalam, Rabindra Bharati University, and various university-based performing arts programs offer structured learning that blends rigorous practice with theoretical understanding. These institutions equip dancers with technical skills, academic knowledge, and industry exposure, preparing them for multifaceted professional journeys. Certificate and diploma programs, as well as advanced degrees, allow students to specialize in particular styles or explore interdisciplinary approaches. Many contemporary dance programs are evolving to offer more than traditional performance training. In addition to practical skills, curricula often include subjects such as media studies, dance criticism, research methodologies, arts management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This broader approach helps dancers develop abilities not only in performance but also in analysis, documentation, innovation, and leadership within the field. As a result, graduates are increasingly prepared for diverse careers as performers, scholars, educators, cultural managers, content creators, and cultural ambassadors, reflecting the expanding opportunities within the performing arts. Technology has also opened up new avenues for dancers. Online platforms enable dancers to teach virtual classes, conduct webinars, collaborate internationally, and showcase their work to wider audiences without geographical limitations. Social media has become a powerful tool for building personal brands, attracting sponsorships, and participating in global artistic conversations. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI are slowly influencing dance productions and choreography, presenting new creative challenges and opportunities for the next generation of artists. Yet, the path is not without its challenges. Financial uncertainty, inconsistent work opportunities, lack of formal employment structures, and societal expectations around stability can be difficult hurdles to overcome. Moreover, the highly competitive nature of the field demands constant skill development, physical fitness, networking, and adaptability. Nevertheless, the growing appreciation for the arts, the rise of digital platforms, international cultural collaborations, and supportive government initiatives such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants are steadily transforming the landscape. Many states and organizations now recognize the arts as a critical part of cultural diplomacy and national identity, opening doors for dancers to represent India on global platforms. Choosing dance as a profession is a bold and fulfilling decision. It demands dedication, resilience, creativity, and lifelong learning. But for those who follow their passion with discipline and vision, dance offers a life rich in expression, cultural connection, and meaningful impact, both within India and on the global stage. As the boundaries between tradition and innovation continue to blur, the future of dance in India looks not only promising but also profoundly exciting. (The author is Head of the Department and Assistant Professor – School of Performing, Visual and Creative Arts, Alliance University)
