On the auspicious day of Dussehra, October 12, 2024, Plano Courtyard Theater witnessed an extraordinary celebration of culture and artistry as Diya performed her Bharatanatyam Arangetram. This event marked a significant milestone not just in Diya’s dance journey but also in the lives of her supportive parents, Anitha and Viswanathan, her dedicated Guru, Smt. Anjali Nandan, and all the artists and volunteers who came together to make the day unforgettable.

Among the many supporters and volunteers, a special mention must go to Aarav, Diya’s brother, who was the unspoken hero of the day. Aarav’s dedication and energy were evident as he helped in all departments—running around backstage, attending to people, and ensuring everything was in place. His hard work and contributions behind the scenes were invaluable. Aarav’s efforts truly made a difference in making the day run smoothly, and we deeply appreciate all he did.

Diya’s first performance was a homage to Lord Ganesha with the composition “Shri Ganesha Sharanam Gajaanana” by Papanasam Shivan. This was a powerful invocation to remove all obstacles, an auspicious beginning to her Arangetram journey. Her jewelry, especially the Nataraja motif incorporated into her vaddanam belt, was a delightful touch, a nod to the dancer’s devotion to the art form.

One of the standout pieces was the Varnam portraying the goddess Chamundeshwari, a fierce and empowering depiction of her battles against asuras Chanda and Munda. Diya’s performance was both technically sound and emotionally expressive, a true testament to her training under the watchful eye of her Guru, Anjali Nandan. The choreography, a balance of intricate footwork and expressive abhinaya, was executed with grace and maturity.

The talented team of musicians, including Sirisha Duvvuru (vocals), Bahu Krupa (mridangam), Gautham Prasad (flute), and Sreeni Prabhala (veena), played flawlessly, elevating the performance with their deep expertise in Carnatic music.

Behind the Scenes

The behind-the-scenes stories added warmth to the entire celebration. Whether it was the team trying (and failing) to assemble a standee or the laughs shared over the need for more IKEA projects, the atmosphere was filled with joy. Surya meticulous eye ensured that the decorations were picture-perfect, adding a beautiful visual touch to the videography.

The presence of family members, especially Diya’s grandparents who traveled all the way from India and Canada, showcased the immense love and affection surrounding her on this special day. Their support, along with that of friends and family, truly added to the emotional and joyful spirit of the Arangetram.

My team, comprised of high school and college students — Harini and Tejal on the side angles, Harshini on the wide shots, and myself on close-ups — did an incredible job capturing every moment. A big thank you to them for their efforts and for bringing along a Bluetooth speaker that helped the musicians stay on Shruti.

Our newly constructed stage was also put to the test, and we were thrilled that Diya’s Arangetram was the first event to be held on it. The experience of having her performance christen our stage added a personal touch to the day for us as well.

A Family Celebration

Diya’s Arangetram felt more like a grand family celebration than a formal performance. With her cousins, friends, and well-wishers all contributing to the day’s success, it was a true coming together of hearts and hands. Diya’s father, Viswanathan, concluded the event with an emotional impromptu speech, thanking everyone for their support, adding the perfect final touch to the celebration.

Overall, Diya’s performance, under the expert guidance of her Guru, Smt. Anjali Nandan, was a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for Bharatanatyam. It was an honor for our team to be part of such a special day, and we are grateful to Anitha and Viswanathan for trusting us to capture these priceless memories.

This Arangetram will be remembered not only for Diya’s flawless performance but also for the love, support, and joy that enveloped the entire event.