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


Wyndham Rewards Member Month Is Back and Week One Deals Are Already Looking Very Good

Wyndham Rewards Member Month Is Back and Week One Deals Are Already Looking Very Good

By Author

Published on March 13, 2026

If you're a Wyndham Rewards member, your Wednesdays just became a lot more interesting. The sixth annual Member Month is officially underway, and it's shaping up to be the biggest one yet with five weeks of deals, bonus points, and offers dropping every Wednesday throughout the campaign.

The program has built a strong reputation for making travel genuinely rewarding, and Member Month is where that generosity really shows. This year, members can stack multiple promotions on top of each other, which means the value adds up quickly for anyone paying attention.

Michael Shiwdin, GVP of Guest Engagement, Loyalty and Partnerships at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, summed it up well. "Six years strong, Member Month is back and it's all about rewarding the members who make Wyndham Rewards extraordinary. This year's celebration brings it all together with some of our best offers of the year, from dream getaways to unforgettable experiences. It's our way of saying thank you to the members who make it all possible."

Here's a look at what Week One brings to the table:

Members can earn up to four free nights by collecting 7,500 bonus points after every two qualifying stays, with the offer repeatable up to four times for a total of 30,000 points. That's enough for up to four free nights at thousands of Hotels by Wyndham worldwide, and the window to complete stays runs through June 30, 2026.

Wyndham Rewards Insiders and credit or debit cardholders each get an additional 7,500 bonus points after two or more qualifying nights by the same deadline. Members who qualify as both an Insider and a cardholder can stack the two offers for up to 15,000 extra bonus points.

For business travellers, enrolling in Wyndham Rewards Business between March 4 and April 30 and completing a qualifying stay by June 30 earns 15,000 bonus points. Travellers on those enrolled accounts also earn 2X points on their personal accounts during business stays.

There's also a limited-time flash sale on Wyndham Rewards Experiences, with exclusive tickets to live concerts and events available from just 1,000 points. Week one features access to the Tortuga Music Festival, with new experiences dropping weekly. Some auctions run for only 24 hours, while others are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

New members looking to jump in can also apply for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card and earn up to 75,000 bonus points through qualifying spend within the first few months.

New deals continue to drop every Wednesday at midnight EST throughout Member Month, keeping the momentum going well into April. Most offers are open to members worldwide, including those who sign up during the promotion.

For full details and terms, visit WyndhamRewards.com/MemberMonth


Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge Welcomes Guests as Safaris Resume in Nagarahole

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge Welcomes Guests as Safaris Resume in Nagarahole

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge, located on the banks of the Kabini River near Nagarahole National Park, has resumed facilitating wildlife safaris for its guests following the reopening of safari operations in the region.

Safari activities have restarted under revised operational guidelines, with restricted seating capacity and a limited number of vehicles currently allowed. The controlled operations are part of a phased reopening introduced by the authorities to ensure safe and responsible wildlife tourism.

The Karnataka Forest Department recently announced the resumption of safari operations across the Bandipur and Nagarahole Tiger Reserves. In the Kabini region, safari services officially recommenced on 22 February 2026 after remaining suspended for several weeks.

The temporary suspension had affected tourism activity and local livelihoods across the Bandipur–Nagarahole–Kabini landscape. With safaris now restarting under updated regulations, the move is expected to gradually revive wildlife tourism in the region while maintaining careful access to the forest ecosystem.

Commenting on the development, Jose Ramapuram, Director - Marketing, Evolve Back, said,

“Safaris are an integral part of the Kabini experience, allowing guests to witness one of India’s richest wildlife habitats. The resumption of safari operations is encouraging for the local ecosystem of communities and stakeholders that depend on responsible wildlife travel to build their livelihoods. We look forward to welcoming guests back to experience the forests of Kabini.”

Situated amidst tropical forests along the Kabini River, Evolve Back Kuruba Safari Lodge draws inspiration from the traditions of the indigenous Kadu Kuruba community. The property offers immersive wildlife experiences while reflecting Evolve Back’s Spirit of the Land philosophy, which celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

With safari activities now resuming, the lodge once again provides guests with the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Nagarahole while supporting responsible wildlife tourism in the Kabini landscape.


Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates Kaziranga Heritage

Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma Inaugurates Kaziranga Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

Kaziranga Heritage, a unique heritage hospitality destination located in Assam’s globally recognised Kaziranga landscape, was officially inaugurated by the Honorable Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. The ceremony took place in the presence of dignitaries, government officials, and distinguished guests.

The project marks an important step in strengthening Assam’s tourism sector and has been developed as a Public–Private Partnership between the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) and Centre Point Hospitality Group. The collaboration reflects a shared effort to enhance heritage tourism infrastructure while highlighting the region’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance.

Located amidst the floodplains shaped by the Brahmaputra River system and the Kohora River, Kaziranga Heritage has been designed to exist in harmony with its surroundings. Rather than standing apart from nature, the property quietly blends into the landscape, offering guests an experience that stays closely connected to the natural rhythm of Kaziranga.

The location itself carries a rich conservation legacy that goes back more than a century, from its early recognition as a proposed reserve forest in 1905 to its later status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This long history of conservation continues to influence the experience offered to visitors at the property.

At the heart of the estate stands the historic Bonani Bungalow, which forms the central element of Kaziranga Heritage. Guest records preserved at the property date back to 1938, making it one of the earliest documented hospitality establishments connected to Kaziranga’s tourism history.

Built in the traditional colonial Assam-type architectural style, Bonani Bungalow reflects a design shaped by the region’s climate and terrain. The structure features raised plinths that help withstand seasonal floods, wide verandahs that provide shade, and steep sloping roofs designed for heavy monsoon conditions. Archival records and photographs preserved here quietly narrate Kaziranga’s journey from fragile grasslands to one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife landscapes.

The estate includes 28 thoughtfully designed rooms spread across different heritage-inspired living spaces. The historic Bonani Bungalow offers 10 heritage rooms forming the core of the property. Bonoshree features eight rooms designed as a cultural salon, where curated literature, archival imagery, and art reflect Assam’s ecological and Vaishnavite traditions. The Kohora River View Cottages include six cottages overlooking the peaceful floodplains of the Kohora River. The Kunjobon Presidential Suites and Duplex offer four luxury suites with private plunge pools, landscaped courtyards, and views extending towards the Orchid Park.

Throughout the property, the Assam-type architectural style remains consistent, with elevated structures, spacious verandahs, and natural building materials chosen for durability and climate sensitivity.

Kaziranga Heritage also features a 48-seater destination restaurant that highlights the culinary traditions of Assam. The kitchen focuses on wood-fired chullah cooking methods, presenting slow-cooked regional recipes prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The menu also reflects subtle Southeast Asian influences that have historically shaped the region’s culinary identity.

The restaurant’s design takes inspiration from the traditional Assamese Jaapi, a well-known symbol of hospitality and welcome. Its roof structure reinterprets the Jaapi form through contemporary architecture and features ceramic detailing along the ridge created by Assamese ceramic artist Jaya Boro, who also serves as Head of the Department at Shantiniketan’s ceramic studio. A copper pinnacle crowns the roof, adding to the cultural symbolism of the space.

Art and history are also woven into the guest experience at the estate. The property houses a curated collection of artworks by Assamese artist Mridu Moshum Bora, whose paintings portray Vaishnavite traditions, regional dance forms, and the wildlife landscapes of Kaziranga.

Kaziranga Heritage also pays tribute to legendary Assamese cultural icons Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, recognising their influence in shaping the region’s cultural identity through music and storytelling.

Historic wildlife photographs are preserved within the estate as well, including archival works attributed to noted conservationist Edward Pritchard Gee. These images capture a time when the survival of Kaziranga’s wildlife was uncertain and serve as a reminder of the conservation efforts that later helped transform the region into one of the world’s most important wildlife habitats.

Kaziranga Heritage has been developed as a collaborative effort involving architects, artists, historians, naturalists, and craftsmen from Assam. Every aspect of the project, from the architecture to the art installations and culinary experiences, reflects contributions from individuals closely connected to the region’s culture and landscape.

The inauguration of Kaziranga Heritage marks another step forward in strengthening Assam’s heritage and eco-tourism landscape. Through its Public–Private Partnership model, the project highlights how thoughtfully designed hospitality spaces can help preserve history, celebrate culture, and support sustainable tourism.

With its combination of history, architecture, art, and natural surroundings, Kaziranga Heritage aims to offer visitors more than just a stay. The experience reflects the spirit of Assam and tells the evolving story of Kaziranga’s landscape and cultural heritage.

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