Performances & Events

TAPAS Natyotsava and Tapas Productions — original works rooted in Bhakthi, Itihasa, and Purana

TAPAS Natyotsava

TAPAS Natyotsava is the annual classical music and dance festival organised by TAPAS Cultural Foundation. Held typically towards the end of the calendar year, Natyotsava brings together eminent senior artistes from across Bharata — offering audiences performances rooted in tradition, depth, and devotion.

More than a festival, Natyotsava is a statement of intent. It reflects TAPAS' belief that classical arts must be both preserved and propagated — that the stage must be shared between those who have mastered the tradition and those who are carrying it forward.

Our Commitment to Young Talent: TAPAS actively scouts for promising young artistes and offers them a professional platform without charging any performance fee. For exceptionally deserving artistes who are unable to afford the cost of accompanists, TAPAS provides full scholarships — bearing the entire cost of their performance. At Natyotsava, the only criterion for the stage is merit.

Tapas Natyotsava

Past Editions

Glimpses from past editions of TAPAS Natyotsava. A full year-wise archive with dates, venues, and featured artistes is being compiled and will be added here soon.

TAPAS Natyotsava

TAPAS Natyotsava

Annual Classical Arts Festival

TAPAS Natyotsava

TAPAS Natyotsava

Annual Classical Arts Festival

TAPAS Natyotsava

TAPAS Natyotsava

Annual Classical Arts Festival

Apply to Perform

TAPAS Natyotsava invites applications from young classical dancers and musicians each year. Selection is strictly merit-based and entirely at the discretion of the selection committee.

Submit a brief profile — name, age, art form, Guru, and years of training.

Submit a video clip of two full items — one showcasing abhinaya and one showcasing nritta, as a YouTube or Google Drive link only. Do not send as an email attachment.

Write to tapasacademy@gmail.com to Apply

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar — join us for these upcoming celebrations of Bharatanatyam

JAN
2026

TAPAS Natyotsava — Annual Classical Arts Festival

Chennai · Open to all
Festival
Apply to Perform
TBA
2026

Vidhya Tapasvi Award Ceremony

Chennai · Invitation event
Awards
Learn More
TBA
2026

Vatavriksha Residential Workshop for Youth

Chennai · Residential · Apply in advance
Workshop
Learn More

Register / RSVP for an Event

Fill in your details below to express interest or RSVP for any upcoming Tapas event.
Our team will confirm your registration and share further details.

Alternatively, contact us directly for any enquiries about upcoming events.

Production Archives

Original dance and theatre productions rooted in Bhakthi, Itihasa, and Purana — conceived and directed by Smt. Mahalakshmi Ashwin

Maharshi — Journey of a Sage
Magnum Opus Theatre

Maharshi — Journey of a Sage

Directed by Shri. Bombay Chanakya. Traces the spiritual journey of Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi — inner transformation, silence, and self-realisation. A profound artistic meditation on Advaita.

Kannan Thiruvilayadal
Dance Drama

Kannan Thiruvilayadal

The playful yet profound leelas of Sri Krishna — divine childhood and youthful exploits through expressive abhinaya, revealing Krishna as both mischievous child and supreme tattva.

Lava Kusa
Dance Drama

Lava Kusa

Rooted in the Ramayana — the poignant story of Rama's sons, exploring dharma, sacrifice, and destiny. Sensitively portraying Sita's strength and Rama's inner conflict.

Prahlada
Dance Drama

Prahlada

The unwavering devotion of Prahlada — the triumph of bhakthi over arrogance and tyranny, culminating in the appearance of Narasimha as protector of dharma.

Vittala Darshana
Dance Drama

Vittala Darshana

Inspired by the bhakthi tradition of the varkari sants and the worship of Sri Vittala of Pandharpur — weaving music, movement, and poetry to express the soul's longing for the divine.

Murugu — Muruganum Thamizhum
Dance Drama

Murugu — Muruganum Thamizhum

A devotional work on Lord Murugan — valour, compassion, and grace. Drawing from Tamil bhakthi traditions, capturing Murugan as divine son, warrior, and spiritual guide.

Collaborative & Thematic Productions

Collaborative

Sharanam Vraja

A thematic group production exploring the concept of surrender in bhakthi — a multi-artiste collaborative work produced by Smt. Mahalakshmi Ashwin.

Collaborative

Rama Rajya Mahotsavam

A celebratory collaborative dance production reflecting the ideals of dharma, governance, and righteousness.

Collaborative

Utsava Prabhandham

A thematic group presentation depicting the ten-day procession of Sri Padmanabha Swami.

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