Internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, and Professor of Practice, Bala Devi Chandrashekar, has unveiled her latest operatic dance-theatre production titled ‘Mauli – A Timeless Tradition’. Deeply rooted in research and Indian philosophical thought, the production continues her mission of presenting India’s sacred cultural traditions to contemporary global audiences through classical dance.

Conceived, choreographed, and presented by Bala Devi Chandrashekar, Mauli - A Timeless Tradition explores the sanctity, history, and humanity of the Pandharpur heritage. The work symbolically retraces the 250-kilometre wari pilgrimage from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur, following the spiritual path of saints and countless Varkari devotees who undertake this sacred journey year after year.

The production pays homage to the enduring values of equality, devotion, and motherhood that define the Varkari sampradaya. Through Bharatanatyam, music, poetry, and layered narrative imagery, Mauli brings alive the crescent flow of the Chandrabhaga River and the luminous presence of Panduranga-Vitthala, inviting audiences to experience devotion as a living, collective expression.

Speaking about her inspiration, Bala Devi Chandrashekar said, “Through a powerful confluence of Bharatanatyam, music, poetry, and layered narrative imagery, Mauli brings alive the crescent embrace of the Chandrabhaga River and the luminous presence of Panduranga-Vitthala. The production transforms audiences into antaryatris, inner pilgrims- journeying through a landscape where philosophy, everyday life, and devotion merge seamlessly. As ‘Mauli,’ the universal mother of this tradition, calls out to every seeker, the work highlights the innate spiritual equality of all devotees and the inclusive grace of the divine.”

Based in Princeton, New Jersey, Bala Devi Chandrashekar is a senior disciple of Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam and is globally respected for her research-driven choreographic works that interweave shastra, sculpture, music, and classical literature. She has performed in over 35 countries, including prestigious venues such as UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, India House at the Paris Olympics, and leading cultural institutions across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Mauli – A Timeless Tradition stands as a continuation of her distinguished body of work, which includes acclaimed productions such as Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless, Karna: Destiny’s Child, Padmavati – An Avatar, and Maa – The Eternal Truth. Through this latest production, she celebrates Mauli as both the compassionate divine mother and a timeless symbol of shared humanity.

As the Artistic Director of SPNAPA Academy of Performing Arts, Bala Devi continues to mentor students globally and collaborates with universities such as Princeton, Columbia, Rutgers, UPenn, and others to advance Indian classical dance as a rigorous academic and interpretive medium.

Event Schedule:

• 25 December 2025 | 7:30 PM – Brahma Gana Sabha, TAG Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai

• 27 December 2025 | 5:30 PM – Kartik Fine Arts, Bhavan Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai

• 4 January 2026 | 5:30 PM – Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, R K Swamy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai

• 9 January 2026 | 5:30 PM – Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai

For more details, visit www.baladevichandrashekar.com