Bala Devi Chandrashekar presents her latest Bharatanatyam production: ‘Mauli – A Timeless Tradition’

 Internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent, scholar, and professor of practice  Bala Devi Chandrashekar unveils her latest operatic dance-theatre production, Mauli – A Timeless Tradition.  Rooted in meticulous research and shaped by her deep engagement with Indian philosophy, temple architecture, and  classical literature, this production continues her long-standing mission to bring India’s sacred artistic heritage to  contemporary global audiences through the transformative power of classical dance. 

Mauli – A Timeless Tradition is an evocative exploration of the sanctity, history, and humanity embedded within the  Pandharpur heritage. Conceived, choreographed, and presented by Bala Devi Chandrashekar, the production  pays homage to the timeless values of equality, devotion, and motherhood that form the heart of the Varkari  sampradaya. Symbolically retracing the 250-kilometer wari from Alandi and Dehu to Pandharpur, the work follows the  spiritual footsteps of saints and countless Varkari pilgrims who, year after year, undertake this sacred journey as a  moving “walking sanctuary” of collective faith. 

Speaking about her inspiration for the production ‘Mauli – A Timeless Tradition’, Bala Devi Chandrashekar,  Bharatanatyam Exponent 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 invites audiences to move beyond observation, transforming them into antar yatris—inner pilgrims—journeying through a landscape where philosophy, everyday life, and devotion merge  seamlessly. As “Mauli,” the tender crown and universal mother of this tradition, calls out to every seeker, the work  highlights the innate spiritual equality of all devotees and the nurturing, inclusive grace of the divine mother who  gathers humanity into her compassionate fold.” 

Bala Devi Chandrashekar is a globally respected Bharatanatyam artiste, research scholar, and professor of practice  in Asian Performing Arts, based in Princeton, New Jersey. A senior disciple of the legendary Dr. Padma  Subrahmanyam, she is celebrated for her research-driven approach that weaves together shastra, sculpture, music,  and literature into cohesive, immersive narrative productions. She has performed across more than 35 countries  at prestigious venues including UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, cultural showcases aligned with the Paris  Olympics, India House presentations, and leading artistic institutions across North America, Europe, and  Asia. 

Against this distinguished legacy, Mauli – A Timeless Tradition emerges as a radiant testament to the living  spiritual culture of the Varkari tradition. Through an aesthetically rich, deeply researched portrayal of Pandharpur’s  heritage, the production celebrates Mauli—both as the compassionate divine mother and as the timeless symbol of  shared humanity—affirming that in the realm of devotion, all are equal, and all are embraced. 

As the artistic director of her academy, Bala Devi mentors’ students around the world and has created a rich  repertoire of thematic solo operatic works that position Bharatanatyam as a rigorous interpretive medium capable of  engaging with history, ecology, ethics, and philosophical thought.

She has released 12 critically acclaimed productions to date—Nandanar Charithram, MLV favorites,  KrishnaArpanam, Udhava Gita Lord Krishna’s last message, Vishwam the Omnipresent, Tripura Divine  Feminine, Karna Destiny’s Child, Brihadeeswara Form to Formless, Padmavati an Avatar, Maa The Eternal  Truth, An Ode to Tanjore Quartet & Mauli A Timeless Tradition. These works span a remarkable thematic  spectrum, illuminating temple heritage, epic literature, the ecological wisdom of ancient texts, the spiritual nuances of  bhakti poetry, and the multiple dimensions of motherhood. Among them, Brihadeeswara – Form to Formless stands  out as a profound homage to the Tanjore Quartet legacy and the monumental Chola tradition that continues to  underpin her choreographic style and artistic philosophy. 

SPNAPA Academy of Performing Arts serves as a facilitator for cultural presentation, preservation, and exchange  of ideas of South Asian Performing Arts with a primary focus on Indian Classical Dance. SPNAPA is guided by the  dynamic leadership and vision of Guru Kalaimamani Bala Devi Chandrashekar, Bala is constantly developing  performing studies in collaboration with Theater and Dance, History, Philosophy, Linguistic anthropology of various  Universities in the United States and served as Artist in Residence, Carl A. Fields Center, Princeton University. Bala  constantly strives to create awareness of Indian classical dance in the USA through her work with universities such  as Princeton, Rutgers, Columbia, Mount Holyoke, Vassar, Yeshiva, Drew and McCarter theater etc. Currently Bala is  an Associate visiting scholar at Upenn. 

Event Schedule: 

• 25th Dec 2025 – 7:30 PM: Brahma Gana Sabha, TAG Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, PS High School,  Mylapore, Chennai 
• 27th Dec 2025 – 5:30 PM: Kartik Fine Arts, Bhavan Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai 
• 4th Jan 2026 – 5:30 pm: Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, R K Swamy Auditorium, Mylapore, Chennai • 9th Jan 2026 – 5:30 pm: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore, Chennai 

For More Information:  

Visit: www.baladevichandrashekar.com