Mauli – A Timeless Tradition: Bala Devi Chandrashekar on Bhakti, Bharatanatyam and the Power of Collective Devotion

Mauli – A Timeless Tradition: Bala Devi Chandrashekar on Bhakti, Bharatanatyam and the Power of Collective Devotion

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

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


juSTa Hotels & Resorts Launches Boutique Wildlife Retreat in Jawai

juSTa Hotels & Resorts Launches Boutique Wildlife Retreat in Jawai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 8, 2026

Onora Hospitality, the parent company of boutique hospitality brand juSTa Hotels & Resorts, has announced the launch of juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai, a boutique wildlife retreat located in the heart of Jawai’s renowned leopard country near Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Situated in Village Bijapur, the newly opened resort offers a tranquil and immersive escape that reflects the rugged beauty, distinctive wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of the Jawai region. Spread across two and a half acres, juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai features 18 thoughtfully designed accommodations, including suites with heated plunge pools, each created to balance modern comfort with a deep connection to nature.

All rooms are equipped with premium amenities such as climate-controlled air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen smart televisions, mini-bars, tea and coffee makers, electronic safes, quality linen, workspaces, wardrobes, telephones, and round-the-clock power backup. Select accommodations also feature private plunge pools, open-air showers, bathtubs, private gardens, and spacious sit-out areas.

Commenting on the launch, Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO of Onora Hospitality Private Limited, said, “The growing popularity of Jawai as a wildlife and experiential travel destination presents a meaningful opportunity for us to introduce our signature style of intimate, design-led hospitality. With juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai, we aim to create an immersive retreat that blends comfort with adventure while celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the region. This launch also strengthens our expanding presence in India’s national parks, where we already operate boutique resorts in Sariska and Jim Corbett under the juSTa brand and in Ranthambore under Bookmark Resorts.”

The resort offers a curated range of lifestyle and wellness experiences, including a swimming pool, a multicuisine restaurant with indoor dining and an intimate al fresco space, a 1,500-square-foot banquet hall, and a spa with two treatment rooms and a steam bath. Guests can also enjoy indoor and outdoor recreational activities such as carrom, foosball, badminton, and cricket.

Easily accessible by road from both Jodhpur and Udaipur, juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai serves as a convenient base for exploring the region’s key attractions. These include the Jawai Dam, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Pola Lake, guided jungle safaris, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities that have established Jawai as one of India’s most distinctive wildlife destinations.

Known for its dramatic granite hills and its rare culture of harmonious coexistence between humans and leopards, Jawai continues to gain recognition among nature lovers and experiential travellers alike. The opening of juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai marks a significant milestone in Onora Hospitality’s journey to create soulful, experience-led stays across India’s most inspiring landscapes.


Brij Hotels Expands Portfolio with New Coastal Property in Sindhudurg

Brij Hotels Expands Portfolio with New Coastal Property in Sindhudurg

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 8, 2026

Brij Hotels has announced the signing of a new coastal resort in Sindhudurg, marking the brand’s thoughtful expansion into one of India’s most untouched and evocative shorelines. Located just north of Goa, the upcoming property reflects Brij’s continued focus on destinations that offer privacy, authenticity, and a deep sense of place.

The resort is strategically positioned a short drive from MOPA International Airport and just 15 minutes from Sindhudurg Airport, ensuring easy access while remaining beautifully secluded. Set along a pristine white-sand beach, Brij Sindhudurg will feature private beachfront villas designed to blend seclusion with the effortless rhythm of slow luxury.

Guests will be able to step directly onto the sand from their villas and experience the coastline through carefully curated, nature-led activities. These include early-morning dolphin sightings, guided snorkelling in clear coastal waters, and quiet water-based journeys that highlight the region’s rich marine life.

Evenings at the resort will unfold with intimate beachside dining experiences, where locally inspired coastal delicacies are prepared simply and enjoyed against the sound of the waves. Cultural encounters will form a key part of the stay, bringing Sindhudurg’s soul to life through interactions with local communities, regional storytelling, and traditions deeply rooted in the Konkan way of life.

Intimate in scale and soulful in design, Brij Sindhudurg promises a rare and romantic escape that remains closely connected to its surroundings and the unspoilt charm of the region.

Commenting on the signing, Udit Kumar, Co-Founder of Brij Hotels, said, “Sindhudurg represents everything Brij stands for today, quiet luxury, privacy, and a sense of discovery. This is a coastline that has remained beautifully untouched, and our intent is to preserve that essence while creating a deeply romantic and immersive retreat. With Brij Sindhudurg, we’re not just adding a destination, but opening a new chapter in how luxury coastal travel is experienced in India.”

The signing reinforces Brij Hotels’ strategy of expanding into raw, aspirational, and largely undiscovered destinations, offering guests rare access to landscapes untouched by mass tourism while delivering understated luxury and meaningful travel experiences.


Palma Beach Resort Opens on the Quiet Shores of Ashwem, Goa

Palma Beach Resort Opens on the Quiet Shores of Ashwem, Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 8, 2026

Palma Beach Resort has opened along the tranquil shoreline of Ashwem Beach, bringing a thoughtfully designed boutique hideaway to one of Goa’s most peaceful coastal stretches. Rooted in a natural and minimal aesthetic, the resort draws inspiration from its lush surroundings and the gentle rhythm of the sea, offering guests a calm space to slow down and reconnect.

Set amid swaying palm trees and open skies, Palma reflects a quieter side of Goa where days unfold at an unhurried pace. From mornings that begin with the sound of waves to evenings softened by sea-lit sunsets, the resort encourages mindful living built around ease, comfort, and connection with nature.

Ashwem Beach holds a special place in Goa’s coastal story. Once an untouched stretch of sand known only to those seeking solitude, the area has evolved over time while retaining its peaceful essence. Guided by this spirit, the founders designed Palma with deep respect for the land, shaping the resort around the existing landscape rather than altering it.

Rows of palm trees mark the entrance to Palma, leading guests through shaded pathways, quiet corners, and welcoming spaces that naturally invite relaxation. The resort offers four categories of rooms and private cottages, each created with warm textures, soft colour palettes, and ample natural light. With the beach just steps away, guests can enjoy uninterrupted quietude in spaces that feel personal and inviting.

Every element of the resort reflects Goa’s timeless coastal character. The design philosophy remains focused on simplicity, comfort, and harmony with nature, allowing the surroundings to take centre stage.

“Palma comes from our long-standing love for Ashwem. Our intention was always to let Goa be simply the way it is, natural, unhurried, and deeply connected to its landscape. We hope every design choice, every flavour, and every experience here reflects that simplicity and soul,” said Nirvane Jain, Brand Director and Partner, Palma Beach Resort.

Adding to the experience is Ashwe 351, the resort’s in-house restaurant set along the shore. Led by chefs Sumera and James, whose combined culinary journeys span India and international kitchens, the restaurant brings together regional favourites and coastal classics with thoughtful execution. The menu flows effortlessly across North and South Indian staples, Goan-inspired dishes, and select global influences, offering flavours that feel both familiar and comforting.

With its focus on nature-led design, warm hospitality, and soulful dining, Palma Beach Resort adds a serene new address to Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape while staying true to the calm spirit of Ashwem.

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