PROGRAM NOTES
NAYIKA is a collaborative dance project that brings together local artists to reinterpret the traditional Nayika archetypes through the lens of contemporary social issues affecting women today. Using classical Indian dance as its foundation, the project bridges historical narratives with modern realities, making the art form deeply relevant and resonant within today’s social landscape.
The Temple of Fine Arts, USA, in collaboration with Natya Nirvana, is delighted to invite you to be part of this inspiring production, premiering which is funded by Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) on November 29th, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
Bharatanatyam : Pushpanjali with Ganesha Stuthi
Presented by Naganeha Amirineni, Maya Chand, Tanvi Ghanta, Lasya Janagama, Manasvini Kumaraswamy, Sanvi Lathish, Chinmayi Maringanti, Teertha Shivakumar, Sahana Sivakumar, Dhiya Suresh
Pushpanjali, or "flower offering," is a sacred ritual where dancers present flowers to the divine as a sign of respect, and devotion. The offering of flowers symbolizes purity, beauty, and the transient nature of life, as well as the surrender of one’s ego and desires to the divine.
Mooshika Vahana refers to the sacred vehicle of Lord Ganesha—the mouse (mooshika). This unique vahana is a symbol of Lord Ganesha's ability to navigate through any obstacle, no matter how small or large, representing the removal of all barriers in life.
The mouse, despite its humble size, carries the mighty Lord Ganesha with agility and determination, embodying the qualities of humility, adaptability, and wisdom. As Ganesha’s vahana, the mouse reminds devotees that even the smallest creatures have their divine purpose, and that obstacles, when faced with devotion and perseverance, can be transformed into opportunities for growth.
In the worship of Lord Ganesha, Mooshika Vahana is a powerful reminder that no challenge is insurmountable when approached with wisdom and faith.
Kathak : Na bole Na bole
Presented by Amisha Shah
Portraying Kalahantarita: The heroine who is separated from her lover due to a quarrel and feels remorse.
“Na Bole Na Bole Re” beautifully captures a tender moment between Radha and Krishna. Radha, shy and slightly upset, refuses to speak, while Krishna lovingly tries to win her over. Through playful teasing and gentle persuasion, he urges her to lift her veil, reminding her of their cherished moments together. The lyrics reflect their sweet, timeless bond—where love, longing, and reconciliation unfold through subtle glances and unspoken emotions.
Kuchipudi : Madana Daruvu
Presented by Madhavi Sudhir
Portraying Virahotkanthita: The heroine who is suffering from separation and filled with longing.
Madanadaruvu is written by Siddhendra Yogi. In Kuchipudi dance style a Daruvu is a piece where the character introduces themselves, revealing their identity. In the song Satyabhama is pleading Manmatha not to trouble her with his arrows when her husband lord Krishna is away from her.
Odissi : Koi Fariyaad
Presented by Sukanya Chand
Portraying Proshitabhartruka: The heroine whose husband or lover is away on a journey.
“Koi Fariyaad” expresses the quiet, persistent ache of longing that lives beneath everyday life. The ghazal reflects on unspoken desires and memories that return like a gentle plea from the heart. Through its tender imagery, it portrays love as something both deeply felt and forever slightly out of reach.Mohiniyattam : Aliveni
Presented by Brinda Ramasubramanian
Portraying Vipralabdha: The heroine who has been deceived or let down, waiting for a lover who never arrives.
"Aliveni Enthu Cheyvu" is a renowned Mohiniyattam Padam composed by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal. Set to Ragam Kurinji and Talam Mishra Chapu, the composition masterfully portrays the Nayika's deep sorrow and displeasure in separation from her beloved deity, Lord Padmanabha. This presentation features my adaptation of Dr. Neena Prasad's choreography of this beautiful padam. The piece explores Vipralambha Sringara (love in separation), portraying a Nayika lamenting her separation from the lord to her Sakhi. Overwhelmed by the agony of separation from her beloved, she confides in her sakhi, asking, "oh, beautiful friend, what shall I do?". She questions the point of her existence in his absence. The heroine finds ordinarily beautiful objects dull and worthless when she is in such a mood. This despair and longing form the crux of the entire composition. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal’s Padams are praised for their lyrical beauty, richly detailing various emotions a devout feels.
Bharatanatyam : Sakhi He
Presented by Priyanka Raghavan
Portraying Vasakasajja: The heroine who is ready and decorated to meet her lover.
The Ashtapadi “Sakhi He” (the 6th hymn of Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda) is the heroine’s (Nayika's) heartfelt confession to her friend (Sakhi). She speaks of her yearning for reunion with Krishna, recalling their secret midnight tryst, and her helplessness in love. She remembers the time when Krishna secretly entered a secluded forest bower at night, hid playfully, and then suddenly appeared with laughter filled with passion, startling her. She continues telling her friend “O Sakhi! In our first union, though I was shy, Krishna won me over with countless clever words, gentle smiles, and sweet speech. He dissolved all my worldly inhibitions, and I surrendered completely to him.” She is both shy and overwhelmed, recalling how her heart was conquered by Krishna’s charm.
Bharatanatyam : Smarasundaranguni
Presented by Sneha Subramaniam
Portraying Svadhinabhartruka: The heroine who is in a relationship where her lover is devoted to her.
“Smarasundaranguni” is a popular javali where the Nayika boasts about the greatness of her husband, who she compares to the flawless Manmadha (cupid). This nayika takes pride in the loyalty and affection she receives—her beloved willingly follows her wishes, decorates himself to please her, and remains faithfully by her side. She is portrayed with elegance, playfulness, and a radiant sense of empowerment that comes from mutual, unwavering love. He appreciates her, praises her and also rewards her for her talent.
She asks - Which man do you think is better than him?
Bharatanatyam (Contemporary) : Motherhood
Presented by Sri Thina Subramaniam
Portraying Khandita: The heroine who is angry and hurt because of her lover's infidelity or neglect.
“Motherhood” is a deeply personal choreography that expands the traditional portrayal of the Khandita Nayika—the frustrated, longing heroine—by reframing her experience through the lens of motherhood, where frustration and exhaustion coexist with profound love. Blending Bharatanatyam and contemporary movement, the work reveals the unseen emotional labor women carry as they navigate identity, caregiving, and cultural expectations. Through layered gesture and breath-driven phrasing, it exposes what mothers often endure privately while appearing composed publicly. “Motherhood” becomes both an intimate confession and a collective reflection on the complex, tender, and often contradictory truths of womanhood.
Semi-classical : Pashyati Dishi Dishi
Presented by Sri Thina Subramaniam
Portraying Abhisarika: The heroine who braves obstacles and difficulties to go to her lover.
“Pashyati Dishi Dishi” describes Radha in a state of abandonment by her beloved. She is a forlorn heroine and Jayadeva paints a pitiable picture of her. Describing a heartbroken Radha who is so consumed by her longing for Lord Krishna that she hallucinates and sees him everywhere, searching for him in every direction.
Musicians
Vocalists: Ramya Janaki and Vidya Rajagopal
Mridangam: Harsha Mandayam
Veena: Sumamala Devulapally
Cello: Chloe Cheung
Credits
Music Arrangment: Lloyd George
Sound Technician: Vijaykumar Kannan
Light Technician: Sumedha Kumaraswamy
ABOUT THE ARTIST
This work is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council Grant, Natya Nirvana in Columbus Ohio, The Temple of Fine Arts, - USA, New Jersey Individual Artist Fellowship and Individual Donors