The Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland held the Karthik Nrityanjali, an offer to dance to Lord Karthikeya on February 9, 2014.  Smt. Thenu Rajan originated the idea of the event and each year she has organized the event along with her husband Rajan. 

Nrityanjali at the Sri Lakshmi temple is a unique event where dancers young and senior come together and offer their best. The event happens in the side room in the temple where there is no stage nor a great performance ambiance. But the presence of the Divine energies transforms this simple space into a celestial performance center where one gets to witness excellent presentations. 

Students of Smt Jeyanthi Ghatraju, Smt Jyothi Raghavan, Smt Marishakthi Muthuswamy, Smt Neena Gulati, Smt Neha Parikh, Smt Preethi Ramesh, Smt Priya Moorthy, Smt Ranjani Saigal, Smt Sapna Krishnan, Smt Sujatha Meyyappan, Smt Thenu Raajan and Smt Vyju Iyengar presented wonderful numbers drawn from the Bharatanatayam Margam.  A very sweet presentation by little Vaidehi, daughter of Smt. Priya Moorthy was symbolic of how young children with the right training can shine. 

Senior dancers Harini Raghavan performed Velanai Kanbom and dance teacher Smt Deepa Rajamani performed Thirupugazh.  

Lord Muruga (the name means the beautiful one) has been a great source of inspiration for all Tamil arts. He is supposed to be the creator of the Tamil language and a great patron of Tamil literature.  Stories of His valor as he killed the demons Tarakasura and Soorapadman have been retold for centuries.  His love for the tribal girl Valli is replete with Shringara Rasa and often is chosen for elaboration in dance. 

With the blessing and grace of Lord Muruga, the Karthik Nrityanjali was a great success continuing for more than four hours.  We look forward to other Nrityanjalis in the future.