2026 Margam Track 1: Compositions by Saints of South India
This year's Margam workshop will be led by the esteemed Dr S. Divyasena, a distinguished Bharatanatyam dancer, teacher, and choreographer with over 30 years of teaching experience. She studied Bharatanatyam from Kalakshetra stalwart J. Sooryanarayanamoorthy, and abhinayam directly from the late Kalanidhi Narayanan.
Dance coaches for the workshop are award-winning artists Shabin Bright and Upanisha Kannan, who are both senior disciples of Dr S. Divyasena.
| Composition | Description |
|---|---|
|
Gajavadana Raga: Hamsadhvani Tala: Adi Composer: Purandara Dasa |
A unique keerthanam by Saint Purandara Dasa, Gajavadana pays homage to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced son of Goddess Parvathi. Renowned for his unwavering bhakti towards Vittala, the saint prays to Ganesha to grant him strength and skill to sing the divine glories of Lord Vittala. |
|
Thevara Shabdam Raga: Ragamalika Tala: Mishra chapu Composer: Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) |
The creative conception of Dr. S. Divyasena, this composition skillfully weaves verses from the Thevaram into the framework of a Shabdam. These hymns, composed by the celebrated Shaivite saint Appar, describe the grandeur of Lord Arunachaleshwarar of Thiruvannamalai. |
|
Nee Arulayo Thaaye Raga: Bhairavi Tala: Adi Composer: Ponniah Pillai |
An exquisite and rare composition by Ponnaiah Pillai, the great-grandson of Sri Sivanandam of the illustrious Tanjore Quartet, this swarajathi portrays the beauty and majesty of Goddess Kanchi Kamakshi. Through its choreography, it brings alive the divine attributes of the Goddess, interwoven with puranic narratives connected to the sthalam. |
|
Sogasuga Mridanga Raga: Sriranjani Tala: Roopakam Composer: Thyagaraja |
This composition by Saint Thyagaraja delineates the eleven essential principles to be observed in every musical creation. He not only enumerates the technical nuances expected of a skilled musician but also emphasizes the deeper dimensions of bhava and bhakti that a composition must embody. |
|
Thillana Raga: Boopalam Tala: Adi Composer: Swathi Thirunal |
This thillana showcases the musical brilliance of the composer, who uniquely used Boopala ragam for the concluding composition of the recital, whereas the raga is conventionally sung for invocatories. The choreography is filled with intricate rhythmic patterns and captivating nritta. The sahityam is an offering to Lord Ananthapadmanabha Swamy of Thiruvananthapuram. |
|
Thiruppugazh - Nada vindhu kaladi Raga: Chenchurutti Tala: Adi Composer: Arunagirinathar |
An iconic Thiruppugazh of Saint Arunagirinathar, this composition glorifies Lord Muruga enshrined at Thiruvavinankudi, in the foothills of Palani. Here, Muruga is portrayed as the embodiment of the primordial sound (Nāda), the cosmic seed of creation (Bindu), and the awakened consciousness (Kalādi). He is celebrated as the essence of the Vedas and mantras, the eternal source of divine knowledge and power. |
Program Timeline
- Early registration deadline Wednesday October 8 at 11:5pm ET
- Registration deadline Thursday, October 14 at 11:59pm ET
- Classes begin Friday, October 17
- Weekly Timing
- Friday 8:00pm ET
- Sunday 8:00pm ET
- (will become 7pm ET with daylight savings time change, Nov-Mar)
- In-person rehearsals will be held in Cleveland on Thursday Apr 9 – Saturday Apr 11
- Performance will be on Sunday, April 12
Fees
Fees include instruction, choreography, virtual workshops, digital material, platform access, program administration, rehearsals, and performance at the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival 2026. Fees are non-refundable and in USD.
- Full Margam — all 6 compositions US $2,300 ($2,000 for early bird applicants)
- Half Margam — 3 compositions (Keerthanam, Thillana, Thiruppugazh) US $1,000 ($900 for early bird applicants)
- Deadline is Thursday, October 14 at 11:59pm ET; early bird deadline is Wednesday October 8
Application
Apply for the Workshop by clicking the button below to fill out the form.
