Om Hindu Community Center hosted the first Natya Circle event of 2026 on January 17. Featuring Sarayu Kothuri, Aditi Kumar, and Poorvi Hemmige—students of Suman Adishesh—along with Manasi Raghunath, a student of Minal Prabhu, and Shijith Nambiar from India, the afternoon showcased beautiful Bharatanatyam presentations that truly warmed the heart on a cold January day.

The event was masterfully emceed by the founders of Natya Circle, Jeyanthi Ghatraju and Siva Santhanakrishnan. Natya Circle was formed during the COVID period to provide online performance opportunities for senior dance students. Since then, it has grown into a vibrant monthly in-person event hosted at the Om Hindu Community Center in Billerica. The founders expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Center for opening its doors and supporting this artistic endeavor.

Aditi Kumar and Sarayu Kothuri opened the program with Maha Ganesha in Raga Brindabana Saranga, set to Adi Talam. Sarayu then performed the Purandara Dasa kriti Devaki Nandana, followed by Aditi’s presentation of the swarajati Sambashiva Enave in Raga Kamas.

Poorvi Hemmige presented Choornike, a dance honoring the Sabha and Natya Lakshmi, characteristic of the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam. She followed this with a Swathi Thirunal composition, Chatushloki Kriti.

Manasi Raghunath then took the stage with a creative Ganesha Alarippu. Her subsequent presentations included Pahi Mam Shri Rajarajeshwari, Jaganmohanane Krishna, and a vibrant Lalgudi Thillana.

The entire program was a delight to watch. The dedication of both teachers and students in keeping this beautiful art form alive and thriving in New England is truly commendable. Kudos to Natya Circle for creating and sustaining this wonderful platform.

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