Mohiniattam: The Graceful Dance of the Celestial Enchantress

Mohiniattam, the dance of Mohini — the celestial enchantress of Hindu mythology — is noted for its graceful and sensuous movements. It is believed that Lord Vishnu once disguised himself as the beautiful woman Mohini to allure the Asuras. Therefore, Mohiniattam is regarded as the dance of Lord Vishnu. Originating in Kerala, it is one of the eight classical dance forms of India.

A Mesmerizing Performance by Jayabrabha Menon

The veteran Jayabrabha Menon enthralled the audience with her Mohiniattam recital on a recent cool pre-winter evening. Krishna was a recurrent theme in the pieces she performed, and her movements evoked the imagery of Kerala’s rice fields and golden beaches. She was ably supported by her accompanying musicians, and the vocalist deserves special mention for enhancing the overall performance.

Mohiniattam’s Presence in Delhi’s Cultural Scene

Classical Indian music and dance forms deserve a wider reach and appreciation than they currently receive. In Delhi, there is a growing yearning to witness such rich performances by seasoned maestros. Mohiniattam, however, remains a relatively lesser-known art form here. We hope to see more Mohiniattam performances in Delhi in the near future and wish for a broader cultural platform for such classical traditions.