Classical dance festival 'Natyanjali' begins

The five-day annual classical dance festival, 'Natyanjalai', started at ancient Lord Nataraja temple here today.
More than 700 men and women dancers from across the country and world, including Australia, United States, France, Sri Lanka and Germany will participate in the Natyanjali, which starts on the Maha Sivaratri day, as a tribute to Lord Shiva.
Various classical dance forms such as Bharatha Natyam, Kuchupudi, Mohini Attam, Kathak, Odissi, Sattriya, Manipuri and Chhanu will be presented by the dancers during the 33rd edition of the festival at the 11th century AD temple in Cuddalore district, about 230 km from Chennai.
Students of the faculty of Fine Arts of the Annamalai University here presented the inaugural Bharatanatyam performance, which will be followed by several others throughout the night today.