Nityanjali Dance Festival, Chennai

Natyanjali Dance Festival is organized in Chidambaram, adjacent to the city of Chennai, ever year. The festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stretches for five days.The gala event takes place during the months of February - March. The festival is the joint collaboration of f the Department of Tourism - Government of Tamil Nadu, Ministry of Tourism - Government of India and Natyanjali Trust - Chidambaram. The festival symbolizes the spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’. The message is sent through the medium of dance and music.

Natyanjali Dance Festival starts on the pious day of Maha Shivaratri. The 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram Temple is the venue of the festival. The temple since is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is chosen as the venue for the auspicious festival.

The revered Chidambaram temple with its grandeur create magical setting.The thousands of years old temple make the Natyanjali Utsav,splendid. The gold roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraj in 108 postures of Bharatnatyam, create a maddening occassion for the same.

Dancers from various corners of India participate to grace the occasion and display their their talent before Lord Shiva or Natraja.