The sacred Salangai Pooja of Janani, disciple of Kumari Sumitra Sudhakar, was solemnised on May 30 at Sri Ramadevaru Devasthana, BTM Layout. The ceremony holds special significance as the first-ever Salangai Pooja conducted under Anandha Natyasthala.
Salangai Pooja marks the formal beginning of a Bharatanatyam dancer’s journey. It is the auspicious moment when a student ties the salangai — the traditional anklets — for the first time, seeking the blessings of the Guru and the Almighty. Moving away from commercialised trends, Anandha Natyasthala preserved the spiritual and traditional essence of the ritual through a simple, intimate gathering of 25–30 family members and well-wishers.
Janani, a BSc student at Jyoti Nivas College, joined Anandha Natyasthala — an online Bharatanatyam school — in 2024 to pursue her passion for dance alongside her academics. Though she had been a stage performer since childhood, Bharatanatyam was a new discipline for her. Two years of dedicated practice under her Guru culminated in this milestone in 2026. For her Salangai Pooja, Janani presented five pieces: Bala Gajanana, Alarippu, Maadu Meikum Kanne, Hari Mana Tumi, and Harivarasanam. While the first two items reflected her technical foundation in nritta, the latter three brought out her emotive strength in abhinaya and her growing stage presence.
The event reflects Anandha Natyasthala’s vision — to preserve the sanctity of tradition while nurturing young dancers in a meaningful and authentic way.
About the Guru
Kumari Sumitra Sudhakar, founder of Anandha Natyasthala, has been practicing Bharatanatyam in the Vazhuvoor style for over a decade. She completed her Arangetram on 28 January 2018.
Committed to making classical dance accessible, she provides free Bharatanatyam training, particularly to children from rural areas. An accomplished performer, she has presented at renowned platforms including Chidambaram Natyanjali, Mayura Natyanjali, and the Delhi Tamil Conference.
She holds a Teacher Training Certificate from Global Arts Academy, UK, and a Diploma in Nattuvangam from J. Jayalalithaa University.
