Plan your sacred journey to the Grand Temples of South India
Natyanjali Dance Festival at Chidambaram, Maha Shivaratri 2027
Natyanjali is a festival at Chidambaram where classical dancers offer their art to Nataraja, Shiva as the lord of dance. It has been held every year since 1981 around Maha Shivaratri.
What happens
- The Chidambaram Natyanjali Trust runs the festival over several days around Maha Shivaratri. The 2026 edition, the 45th, ran from 13 to 17 Feb.
- Dancers from across India and abroad perform classical forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathak and Odissi, along with dance dramas.
- The trust now stages the festival at the Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Trust premises on South Car Street, not inside the temple.
- Dancers who want to perform register with the trust; its site carries the registration link for the 46th festival in 2027.
Sources: narthaki.com, natyanjalichidambaram.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Where families go
- Timings and guide
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram
Natyanjali is a dance offering to Nataraja, so dancers and families combine the festival with darshan at the Nataraja Temple.
When to go
The festival is held around Maha Shivaratri, in February or March. The trust gives the first week of March 2027 for the next edition.
| Date | What | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Mar 2027Sat | Maha Shivaratri 2027 | Saturday 6 Mar 2027. The trust says the 46th Natyanjali falls in the first week of March but has not given exact days. |
Sources: natyanjalichidambaram.com, drikpanchang.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Before you go
- Good to knowThe trust's site says all are invited but does not say whether entry is free. We could not confirm it, so check with the trust before you go.
- BookingThe exact 2027 days and programme were not published as of 30 Oct 2026. Check the trust's site in February before you book travel.
Rituals, fees and timings are set by each temple. Where the temple sells a seva or ticket, book it only on its official channel.
Sources: natyanjalichidambaram.com · checked 30 Oct 2026
Questions Families Ask
When is Natyanjali at Chidambaram in 2027?
The trust gives the first week of March 2027, around Maha Shivaratri, which falls on 6 Mar. Exact days are not yet published.
Where is Natyanjali held?
At the Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar Trust premises on South Car Street in Chidambaram, not inside the temple.
Who performs at Natyanjali?
Classical dancers from across India and abroad, in forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Kathak and Odissi. Dancers register with the trust.
Is Natyanjali free to watch?
Not confirmed. The trust's site says all are invited but does not say whether entry is free, so check with the trust.
Plan your trip for Natyanjali at Chidambaram
Opens with this temple already added. See each day with darshan hours, drive times and rough costs.
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