Montreal celebrates 8th annual Natyanjali Indian classical dance festival

Montreal’s 8^th annual Natyanjali festival took place in the borough of Ahuntsic-Cartierville on Saturday. 

Presented by Param des Arts, the world of Indian classical dance took centre stage in a celebration of rhythm, movement and tradition. This year’s festival showcased the evolution of Indian classical dance while preserving its cultural essence.

“We have people from Toronto, from Ottawa driving to come see this festival in Montreal, which I think itself speaks to what is intercultural dialogue,” said Deepa Nallappan, the curator and artistic director of the festival.

“I’m so glad we’re heading in the right direction through this festival.” 

The show highlighted dance forms such as Kathakali, Odissi and Kathak along with Panchari Melam percussion ensembles and special performances like Nadaswaram & Mathalam.

In addition to showcasing emerging local Montreal talent, this year’s lineup featured solo performers and renowned dance troupes from across Canada, and for the first time from the USA. 

Sheela Chandrashekar is a Bharatha Natyam dancer who came up from Ottawa for the performance. “We need this help to encourage artists to come up in their art field, to spread the word, to spread the art, so future generations can benefit from this,” she said. 

“It is very important that everybody brings up their own culture, their own artistry, and Montreal seems to be the best place for this to happen,” said Chandrashekar.

“We hope that in coming years this will become one of those iconic festivals of Montreal,” said Nallappan, adding that entry is free of charge.

“We want to welcome everybody, art lovers and art supporters to come and watch this festival year after year.”