A Kathak guru's simple anjali

After watching three groups perform inside the Chidambaram temple, we moved on to a large yard outside the temple on its south side where the Natyanjali Trust has been carrying on its legacy after being thrown out of the temple.

A large stage is erected at one end of this sandy ground, similar to the one the team used to put up for the Natyanjali when it was held inside the temple. Chairs are provided for some 300 people. And in one corner, a few stalls offer snacks to people who stream in to watch the dance recitals.

Among the groups which performed on Sivaratri night was one from Virginia in USA - Salangai Arts School of Dance led by guru Akila Subrahmanyam.

The young dancers came in early, watched the recitals that went before theirs and then presented a neat concert - keenly watched by their parents and well-wishers.

Earlier, guru Shama Bhate from Pune who teaches Kathak spent three minutes offering a solo anjali on the stage before inviting her group to perform; this simple tribute was straight from the heart and touching.

Her dancers got a big round of applause ( seen in the photo here)