The Melodies of Motion – Bharatnatyam Showcase was held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville, New Jersey, on June 30, 2023. Through Bharatanatyam, a type of Indian classical dance, members of the local community had the chance to experience India’s diverse culture.
Under the open sky, more than thirty young girls of all ages performed various Bharatnatyam dances. Originally done as a highly esteemed act of devotion, dancers used deft footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras), and alluring facial expressions to convey their spirituality.
A lengthy history of Bharatnatyam dancers was honored, and their contributions to Indian art and culture were acknowledged.
At Nritya Traditions, famous Bharatnatyam teacher Neha Patel remarked, “Watching the women perform devotional dances at a place where art, culture, and spirituality converge was sublime.”
About BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey
Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, is a Hindu mandir (temple) complex. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one component of the campus, was inaugurated and opened to the public on August 10, 2014 as the world’s largest Hindu temple outside India. The Mandir is geographically situated at the heart of the U.S. Northeast megalopolis and with relative proximity to Newark International Airport, which handles nonstop flights to India.
Portions of the complex still under construction include the Akshardham Mahamandir and a visitor’s center, which will include an exhibition on Hindu faith and culture.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Robbinsville in Central New Jersey is a Hindu place of worship built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and consecrated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a denomination of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. The mandir is built of hand-carved Italian Carrara marble, Indian pink stone and limestone. The mandir was constructed according to guidelines outlined in ancient Vedas, or Hindu scriptures. The mandir is open daily to visitors and for worship. In addition to the mandir, the complex includes a congregation hall
