Dance in Pondicherry

Music & dance in Pondicherry form a very important part of the cultural life of the people here. Various dance festivals are celebrated by the people of this union territory of India. Cultural programs are organized during the other festivals as well.

The music and dance forms of Pondicherry are immensely influenced by the rich heritage of the Tamil tradition. Here the classical form of music of South India are celebrated and kept alive with much enthusiasm. The Pondicherry people, culture, festivals all remain incomplete without the lively music and dance performances.

In the dance festivals of Pondicherry one will get to watch performances of some of the traditional forms like Yakshgana, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Chau, Mohininattam, etc. on the occasion of Shivaratri the Chidambaram Natyanjali Festival is celebrated here every year. Performers from various corners of the country gather to perform in and attend this prestigious festival. The festival was first initiated by Kapila Vatsayan and Nagaswamy in the year of 1981.

The Bhairavi is a Carnatic music circle in Pondicherry. They organize performances of Carnatic music every month. It is functioning for the last twenty two years. They arrange for both instrumental as well as vocal performances. They also organize special programs for the children. There are about two hundred and five members of this music circle of Pondicherry. There is also a wing of this organization that is totally dedicated to offering lessons and training in art, sculpture, music and dance to enthusiasts of Pondicherry culture.

The different forms and genres of music and dance in Pondicherry thus are celebrated as an important aspect of community lifestyle and social interaction.