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| February 26, 2026 Panchamavedam Foundation has embarked upon production of a series of songs specifically for the performance of Kuchipudi artistes either as a solo / group / dance drama. This is to humbly add to the repertoire of Kuchipudi art form adhering to its fundamental tenets like rich literary content, dance drama tradition, mellifluous music based on music related aspects specific to Kuchipudi classical art form. This series also benefits the larger section of the Kuchipudi fraternity, enabling productions with diverse fresh themes / subjects, both available and affordable to all. The idea is to have quality productions within the reach of the entire Kuchipudi fraternity irrespective of their stature, resource, logistic / artistic, capability and support. With the art form crossing the borders of Telugu speaking populace and thriving well, this production endeavour is also aimed to benefit both the Telugu and other language speaking Kuchipudi artistes. The first song released in the series, was ‘VEENA PUSTAKA PANI’, a song paying respect to the presiding deity of Kuchipudi village temple, Goddess Bala Tirupurasundari and placing on record our heartfelt thanks with gratitude to the efforts taken by the Kuchipudi Bhagavathas -from Kuchipudi traditional families - for having protected and perpetuating the art form for centuries with their efforts as a tradition. The second in series, ‘VINAYAKA JANANAM SABDAM’ was released on 23rd February 2026. The story of ‘Vinayaka Jananam’, brought out in a fascinating manner following all the aspects that are unique to Kuchipudi, and now is within the reach of all artistes and Gurus of Kuchipudi classical art world. A sample of the recording is provided for your listening pleasure and appreciation. We encourage you to contact us for further information with regard to procure a copy of the song and would be delighted to have your patronage and support in our humbling endeavour to serve the Kuchipudi fraternity. Sudha Sridhar Founder Trustee, Panchamavedam Foundation Contact: +91 99865 23451 / panchamavedam@yahoo.com Dec 26, 2025  At just 25 years of age, Gujarat-based performing arts scholar and Bharatanatyam practitioner Namashya Prajapati has authored UGC-NET Performing Arts (Dance) – Paper II, a comprehensive academic guide designed specifically for NTA–UGC NET and JRF aspirants in the discipline of Performing Arts, with a focused emphasis on Dance. Conceived as an examination-oriented resource, the book offers extensive coverage of the entire UGC-NET Dance syllabus, structured strictly in accordance with the latest NTA–UGC NET notifications. It presents essential concepts, theories, historical frameworks, and technical terminologies in a clear, precise, and accessible manner, enabling aspirants to navigate complex subject matter with greater clarity and confidence. The guide was developed in response to the practical difficulties faced by the author during her own examination preparation, particularly the absence of a single, structured, and reliable study resource in Performing Arts. While primarily intended for Dance candidates, Units I to V of the book are equally relevant for Drama aspirants, as these sections are based on the common core syllabus of Performing Arts, thereby extending the publication’s academic utility across allied disciplines. The book was formally launched at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, at the Faculty of Performing Arts, by the Vice Chancellor of the University, underscoring the work’s academic credibility and institutional significance. The book is available on White Falcon Publishing, Amazon and Flipkart. It is priced at INR 999. Info: namashyaprajapati@gmail.com Nov 16, 2025  'When Light Dances- Lighting the Aesthetic World of Indian Classical Dance' By Dr. Rashmi Thaper The first-of-its-kind research based book on Stage Lighting for Indian Classical Dance authored by Dr.Rashmi Thaper, blends the traditional aesthetic principles from the shastras with modern lighting techniques. this book walks readers through the history, technique and aesthetics of stage lighting in an engaging and accessible way. It is the first of its kind in Indian classical dance literature and serves as an informative guide to intertwine the contemporary stage lighting with the traditional classical art form. Oct 29, 2025  DANCE-THEATRE BY THANJAVUR MARATHA RAJAS: DESIGN & RHETORIC OF MARATHI YAKSAGANAMS By Indumati Raman This book includes the forgotten history of Thanjavur Maratha Rajas and their contribution to our Dance, Music and Theatre. The history and journey of the theatre tradition of Maharashtra has its origin in Thanjavur when Sahaji Raje Bhosle II wrote the first ever musical play in Marathi. The English translation, transliteration and annotation for two Marathi/Sanskrit Yakshaganams adds great value to the book. The play of the Yakshaganams is in Marathi and Sanskrit and includes poetry in various meters, dialogue and Darus. It is time for the rich literature hidden for centuries to be offered to global theatre connoisseurs. The book is the outcome of the research for the National Tagore Fellowship awarded to Indumati Raman. The Foreword is by Dr. Nagaraj Paturi, Dean and Director, Indic University. The book is available on Amazon Oct 19, 2025  UNLOCKING COSMIC POWER through Bharatanatyam DANCE • ENERGY • ŚIVA • ŚIVALIṄG Author: Dr. Shashikala Ravi The book is a visually captivating and deeply researched work exploring the relationship between Bharatanaṭyam, Cosmic energy, Cosmic Shiva and temple architecture. Through more than 180 colour photographs, ‘Unlocking Cosmic Power through Bharatanāṭyam’ reveals how classical dance postures, ancient temples and sculptures embody the energy of the Cosmos and the divine dance of Lord Shiva as Nataraja. Along with a personal journey and insight into Bharatanaṭyam, the book connects the temple iconography, 108 Karanas and the metaphysical concept of Shivalinga as manifestations of spiritual power. It bridges scholarly insight and artistic vision, offering dancers, researchers, and connoisseurs a new way to experience divine energy through movement and sacred form. It is 330 pages, authored and published by Bharatanatyam dancer Dr. Shashikala Ravi, design and layout by Parag Pimpale (Bookmark publications), printed at Shripad Printers, Pune. The book release took place on October 5, 2025 at Pune. Aug 3, 2025  On May 6, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, the Kala Nidhi Division hosted the launch of the book 'ODISSI DANCE: AESTHETICS, THERAPEUTICS, AND METAPHYSICS' by renowned dancer-scholar Dr. Reela Hota. The content of the book explores the integration of ancient wisdom and scientific research through practices like Chauka postures, chakra-activating mudras, and Odissi music's transformative ragas. It aligns with Patanjali's yoga principles of pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana, offering a meditative journey to deeper consciousness using transcendental symbols like Krishna in Ashtapadi. Dr. Hota's expertise in ancient texts like the Natya Shastra, combined with modern science, makes this a profound resource for artistes, philosophers, and spiritual seekers. July 24, 2025  Artkin Centre & Kanagasabai School of Bharatanatyam presented the Chennai launch of book ‘Agama Bharatam: Ancient dance system of India’s temples (Volume 1)’ by dancer Swapnasundari on July 25, 2025. This series of rare books on Agama Bharatam, the first of their kind, throw light on the art of Bharatam as prescribed in Agama Sastras. Volume-1 focuses on Bharatam in Saiva Agama and Shiva temples. July 24, 2025  ‘The Sacred Dance of Ancient India and its Relevance to Hindu Iconography‘ authored by Sarah Vieira Magalhães, disciple of Guru Sucheta Chapekar, is a comprehensive study that explores the rich tapestry of Indian arts, emphasizing the profound significance of dance traditions on Indian sculptural art and its relevance to the gradual development of Hindu iconography. (Shubhi Publications, 232 pages, hard cover, Rs.2695) July 24, 2025  ‘Nāṭya Śāstra in a Nutshell’ by Dr. P. Rama Devi is a concise guide to Bharata Muni's foundational treatise on Indian performing arts. In this volume, Dr. Rama Devi simplifies complex classical theories such as Rasa, Bhava, the Chaturvidha Abhinayas, and many other intricate concepts into a lucid, easy-to-understand format that is especially useful and valuable for young music and dance students. The author has further enhanced clarity by providing illustrations for hastas, padas, dr̥ṣṭibhedas, sthanakas, etc., making it easier for exam going students to grasp these advanced topics with greater accuracy through well-presented visuals and explanations. Additionally, the inclusion of shlokas along with their translations makes the text more accessible and easier to comprehend. (Pages: 230 / Edition: 2025, Price: Rs.1000) July 24, 2025  ‘Elements of Dance in Natyashastra and Abhinayadarpan’ by Dr. Nandkishore Kapote is an exploration of traditional hand gestures as laid out in the two major dance treatises i.e., Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpan, and their relevancy to Kathak classical dance. Published by: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute 1st Edition January 2025, Hardback, ISBN: 978-93-92194-90-0 Total photos: 196, Price: Rs.2000 July 24, 2025  Jai Govinda’s book ‘Simply Bharata Natyam’ was released by Mandala Arts and Culture, Vancouver. It is a simple introduction to the various aspects of the dance form. This hardbound book is supported by some 50 beautiful pictures and illustrations. For more info, check mandalarts.ca |
