‘Andalin Arangan’ brought alive Andal’s devotion to Ranganatha

Just as mornings during the Margazhi season entail waking up early and singing the Thiruppavai, the evenings in Sabhas see dancers joyfully celebrating Andal. That’s what a group of young girls from Thushara Srinivasan’s Srirangam based Lasya Nrithyalayam did, creating an atmosphere of joy through their thematic presentation, ‘Andalin Arangan’, at Bharat Kalachar ’s Margazhi Mahotsavam.

The presentation focussed on Andal and the endeavours undertaken by Arangan (Ranganatha) to attain her. The performance commenced with the prayer ‘Om Namah Pranavarthaya’. The main segment featured props such as the Sangu and Chakra, held from behind by young dancers and crafted from dry grass. As the props gracefully moved, a girl dressed as Ranganatha emerged.

Another dry grass prop, depicting Andal, made its appearance, as the verse ‘Pallandu Pallandu’ was recited. Students of Lasya Nrithyalayam perform ‘Andalin Arangan’, the story that describes Andal’s bhakti towards Lord Ranganatha. The event was part of Bharat Kalachar’s Margazhi Mahotsavam 2023 2024.

| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement This sequence transitioned to the birth of Andal, accompanied by the rendition of Andal Mangalam. In this moment, Vishnuchittar, also known as Periyazhwar, joyfully embraced the arrival of Andal. The atmosphere was further enriched as the lines ‘Kodhai valarndhaal, hari namam kettaal’ played, revealing the sight of a young girl dressed as Andal in a vibrant red and orange attire.

Next, it transitioned to the part where the girls and Andal enquire about Kannan (Krishna). This included dance pieces that depicted the birth and growth of Krishna. Another sequence showed Andal adorning herself with a garland, prompting Vishnuchittar to suggest that Ranganatha should be the one to place it around her neck.

As Andal begins dreaming about Ranganatha, the six girls enthusiastically dance to the well choreographed ‘Kannan avan, azhagan rangan avan’. Andal and the girls also danced to the popular ‘Margazhi thingal’ verse. Added to this was the rendition of ‘Vanamali radharamana’. As the thematic presentation progressed, ‘Innum en manam ariyadha’ was sung.

It also portrayed a young Krishna dancing with his companion. Eventually, Ranganatha asks Vishnuchittar to bring Andal for their wedding, which culminated in the popular song ‘Malai matrinaal kothai malai satrinaal’. The costume department acquitted itself well — especially with the costumes worn by Ranganatha, Andal, Vishnuchittar and the young Krishna.

The orchestra featured G.R. Senthilkumar on the mridangam, Kamalesh on the nattuvangam, Vishnupriya Rangarajan on the vocals, Srivatsan on the flute and Muthukumaran on the violin. COMMents SHARE Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Friday Review / Chennai Margazhi Season.