The introduction to the Pushpanjali

Raga : Aarabhi
Adi Tala
Composer : Dr Balamuralikrishna

The Pushpanjali will be taught in parts with detailing on rhythm and alignment.

A Pushpanjali is traditionally an invocatory piece that is placed at the beginning of a Bharatanatyam performance. Pushpanjali, literally means a hand filled with flowers. This tradition is remnant from the practice of performing a Purvaranga in the past. In the Natyashastra there is an elaborate description of an offering made to the area designated for a performance before it begins. This offering invokes the blessings of the gods and and beseeches them to enable the performance to go unhindered while praying for the welfare of the audience members present and for the prosperity of the kingdom and rulers of state.

In today's Margam, the Pushpanjali usually begins with the dancer entering the stage with flowers in her hand and asking for similar blessings from his/her teachers, audience members and unknown powers.