Bharatanatyam exponent Bala Devi Chandrashekar has long been known for her deeply researched, philosophically rooted productions that seamlessly weave together shastra, sculpture, music and literature. Her latest work, Mauli – A Timeless Tradition, draws from the centuries-old Pandharpur wari and the Varkari movement, presenting devotion not as spectacle, but as lived, collective experience.

In conversation with Hospitality News Magazine, Bala Devi Chandrashekar speaks about the inspiration behind Mauli, her multidisciplinary approach, artistic evolution, and how platforms like the Sangam Festival continue to showcase the enduring relevance of India’s classical dance traditions.

What inspired you to choose the Pandharpur wari and the Varkari tradition as the central theme for Mauli – A Timeless Tradition? 

The Pandharpur wari and the Varkari tradition inspired Mauli – A Timeless Tradition because they embody an unbroken, living continuum of bhakti that has flowed across centuries without reliance on spectacle or patronage.

At its core lies a radical spiritual democracy, where devotion dissolves distinctions of caste, class and scholarship. The poetry of the Varkari saints offers profound philosophical depth rooted in lived experience rather than abstraction.

The physical act of pilgrimage, walking, singing and surrendering resonated deeply with me as embodied spirituality, aligning naturally with Bharatanatyam’s kinetic language. Mauli emerged as an artistic response to this collective, timeless surrender to Panduranga Vittala.

Your works are known for blending shastra, sculpture, music and literature. How did this multidisciplinary approach shape the narrative and choreography for Mauli?

For Mauli, the multidisciplinary approach allowed the Varkari tradition to be experienced not merely as history, but as a living philosophy embodied in form.

Shastra provided the philosophical framework, while temple sculpture and iconography shaped spatial design, stance and kinetic geometry. Abhanga poetry and kirtan traditions informed the musical and rhythmic architecture, guiding both narrative pacing and emotional contour.

Literature anchored the choreography in lived devotion, translating metaphysical ideas into accessible human experience. Together, these disciplines converged to create a cohesive narrative where movement becomes an act of collective remembrance and surrender.

The wari embodies values like equality, devotion and collective humanity. How did you translate these spiritual and emotional dimensions into movement vocabulary and stage design?

The values of equality and collective humanity were translated primarily through movement and musical architecture rather than visual spectacle. I consciously employed minimal stage props, allowing the body, rhythm and shared spatial pathways to carry the emotional and spiritual weight of the wari.

Elaborate musical structures rooted in abhanga, kirtan and cyclical laya shaped the collective pulse and guided the choreography. The movement vocabulary emphasised walking patterns, unison phrases and grounded repetition, reflecting devotion as a shared, lived experience. This restraint in design ensured that the focus remained on collective surrender and the inner journey central to the Varkari ethos.

With your global experiences and recognition as ‘Natya Kala Visharadha Ha’, how does this production reflect your artistic evolution, and what message do you hope audiences take away from Mauli?

Mauli reflects my artistic evolution towards greater restraint, depth and inner clarity, shaped by decades of performing across diverse global contexts.

The recognition as Natya Kala Visharadha Ha reaffirmed my commitment to scholarship-driven work where tradition is not presented as nostalgia, but as a living ethical force. This production distils movement, music and philosophy into an offering rather than a display, privileging collective emotion over individual virtuosity.

Through Mauli, I hope audiences are reminded that devotion can be egalitarian, participatory and profoundly humane. The enduring message is that spiritual continuity is sustained not by grandeur, but by humility, shared faith and walking together.

How do the featured productions at this year’s Sangam Festival showcase the richness and appeal of India’s classical dance tradition to a wider audience?

This year’s Sangam Festival brings together a thoughtfully curated set of productions that reflect the breadth and vitality of India’s classical dance traditions. From Ananta Nartana, which celebrates expansive ensemble movement, to Vichitra Pradarshini, showcasing distinctive creative voices within a classical framework, the festival foregrounds both continuity and innovation.

Together with Meenakshi, which draws from mythological and devotional narratives, the festival demonstrates how classical dance continues to evolve while remaining deeply anchored in tradition. The diversity of themes, choreographic approaches and ensemble work makes the performances accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Collectively, the productions affirm classical dance as a living art form rich in heritage, expressive in content and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Event Schedule: Mauli – A Timeless Tradition (All are welcome)

• 25th December 2025 | 7:30 PM
  Brahma Gana Sabha, TAG Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, PS High School, Mylapore, Chennai

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

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

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

Event Schedule: Sangam Festival 2025

• 30th December 2025 | 10:00 AM
  Kartik Fine Arts, Bhavan Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai

In Delhi–NCR, the festive season is in full swing as malls and public spaces embrace the magic of Christmas with lights, music, installations and experiences designed for families and friends to celebrate together. From cultural storytelling and art-led décor to parades, performances and children’s activities, the region’s malls are transforming into vibrant spaces that reflect the warmth, joy and togetherness of the season.

Ambience Mall, Gurugram

At Ambience Mall, Gurugram, Christmas décor takes on a deeply cultural narrative through a striking installation inspired by India’s timeless saree draping tradition. Reimagined as a Christmas tree, the flowing layers of vibrant sarees celebrate womanhood, craftsmanship and sustainability. Each fold reflects grace and resilience, bringing together global festive symbolism with indigenous storytelling. The installation stands as a thoughtful tribute to Indian artisans and the spirit of renewal that defines the Christmas season.

Meanwhile, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj presents a refined festive expression inspired by Bidri craft, a 14th-century metal art form from Karnataka. Known for its blackened metal and silver inlay, the installation blends heritage with contemporary festive design. The dramatic contrast of dark metal and luminous silver creates an understated yet powerful Christmas presence, inviting visitors to experience a celebration rooted in tradition, artistry and timeless elegance.

DLF Mall Of India, Noida

At DLF Mall of India, Christmas arrives on a grand scale with the debut of India’s first 33-foot Longines Christmas Tree. Towering over the atrium, the illuminated installation has quickly become the mall’s biggest festive attraction. Drawing families, children and young visitors, the tree has emerged as Noida’s most sought-after Christmas photo spot, filling social media feeds with festive cheer. The installation will remain throughout the season, keeping the spirit alive through Christmas and New Year celebrations.

AIPL: Joy Gallery, Joy Central & Joy Street

AIPL’s retail destinations are turning December into a lively, family-friendly celebration across Joy Gallery, Joy Central and Joy Street. Festivities at AIPL Joy Gallery began with a fashion walk, illusionist shows and cheerful mascot interactions.

The celebrations continue at AIPL Joy Central on 20th and 21st December, featuring energetic parades and stage performances, highlighted by a vibrant Rio Carnival parade with international artists, mirror men and playful performers. The excitement peaks with a dramatic fire performance on 21st December.

At AIPL Joy Street, Christmas celebrations unfold on 24th and 25th December with Santa’s Workshop, festive meet-and-greets, and a colourful Christmas Gala Parade, creating joyful holiday moments for visitors of all ages.

Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida 

At Gaur City Mall, the festive season stretches into a month-long celebration with Festopia 2026, running from 10th December to 10th January. The mall transforms into a winter carnival featuring a Christmas Book Fair by Crossword, a Hamleys Carnival and elegant festive décor. Celebrations peak with a Christmas Gala Ball on 24th and 25th December, followed by live music, Santa interactions and family activities through New Year’s Day. The festivities culminate with the Snowblast New Year Party on 31st December, alongside end-of-season sales offering discounts of up to 70 percent.

Gulshan One29 Mall, Noida

At Gulshan One29 Mall, Christmas is curated as a warm, community-focused celebration. A grand 25-foot Christmas tree, complemented by star and gift-box décor, sets the festive tone across the mall. From 20th to 31st December, children can enjoy creative workshops including art and craft, pottery, origami, ikebana and best-out-of-waste activities, along with drawing and talent competitions.

Live entertainment adds to the cheer with magic shows, Santa meet-and-greets, instrumental performances on 24th December, and live band performances on 25th and 31st December. Shop-and-win experiences and instant photo opportunities encourage families to capture festive memories, making the mall a lively destination for celebration and shopping alike.

As Christmas approaches, Delhi–NCR malls continue to redefine festive celebrations, blending décor, culture, entertainment and community spirit. Whether through art-led installations, live performances or family-friendly activities, these destinations are turning the season into a shared celebration filled with warmth, joy and unforgettable moments.

Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms, in collaboration with Meltwater, has named ‘Noctourism’ as India’s Travel Word of the Year for 2025. The term reflects a growing preference among Indian travellers to explore destinations after dark, choosing experiences such as stargazing, night safaris, illuminated cityscapes, and relaxed evening explorations that allow for deeper, more meaningful travel moments.

The rise of Noctourism points to a clear shift in how Indians are travelling, moving away from rushed itineraries and sunrise checklists towards slower, more immersive experiences. Travelling at night also offers the comfort of cooler temperatures and a chance to see destinations through a completely different lens, making travel feel calmer and more personal.

The research also highlights a wider evolution in travel vocabulary that defined how Indians explored the world. Alongside Noctourism, terms such as Calmcation, focused on rest and rejuvenation, Microcations, centred around short and efficient breaks, and Frolleagues, where colleagues travel together as friends, gained strong traction. Together, these trends underline how emotion, intention, and balance shaped travel choices throughout the year.

Booking.com’s Travel Word of the Year research analysed over 10 million data points from more than 3,00,000 verified sources, including media coverage and online conversations. The findings offer a clear view into how Indian travellers are redefining travel with purpose, personal meaning, and flexibility at the core.

Among the most influential travel terms of the year, Noctourism stood out strongly, with a large majority of Indian travellers showing interest in night-time experiences. Calmcations reflected a growing focus on wellness and stress-free travel, while Frolleagues highlighted the blending of work, friendship, and travel. Eco-scapes emerged as another key trend, showcasing the rising importance of sustainable travel choices, while Bucket-list breaks represented once-in-a-lifetime journeys driven by long-held dreams.

Other emerging expressions such as Solo Group Travel, Gastro-trails, Impulse Escapes, and Microcations further reflected the desire for cultural depth, food-led journeys, spontaneous trips, and better work-life balance through travel.

The research also revealed distinct generational preferences. Gen Z travellers leaned towards individuality, sustainability, and spontaneity, while Millennials favoured meaningful experiences, cultural immersion, and shared travel with colleagues and friends.

Commenting on the trend, Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia, Booking.com, said,

“Travel in 2025 marks a shift towards deeply intentional and personalised journeys for Indian travellers. With growing interest in after-dark experiences such as night safaris, stargazing escapes, and vibrant night markets, Noctourism emerged as a powerful expression of how people want to explore destinations differently. Every trip today is about self-discovery, connection, and experiences that align with personal values.”

As travel continues to evolve, Booking.com’s insights highlight how Indians are no longer just visiting destinations, but choosing experiences that feel meaningful, balanced, and emotionally rewarding.