I was born and brought up in Chennai (previously known as Madras), the capital of the South Indian state of Tamil

Nadu. I am a software professional with an avid interest in photography. Profiles and architecture more than anything else, inspire me and hence have become the focus of my photographic endeavors over the past three years. In my spare time, I contribute to eMoksha, a non-partisan non-profit organization focused on stronger democracies and better societies. I also spend time with underprivileged children and help them in any way I can. You can see some of my pictures at http://www.flickr.com/ photos/shanmugamsriraman/. I can be reached at shanmugam.sriraman@gmail.com.

is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps,and rapid hand movement. Dancers wear traditionally colorful Assamese clothing. The Bihu dance is performed in conjunction with traditional Bihu folk music, played with the dhol, similar to a drum; the mohor singor pepa, a pipe instrument made from a buffalo horn; the tala, a cymbal; the gogona, a reed and bamboo instrument; and the toka, a bamboo clapper. The songs (bihu geet) that accompany the dance have been handed down for many generations. The subject of the lyrics ranges from welcoming the Assamese new year to describing the daily life of a farmer, from historical references of invasions to Assam to contemporary socio-political commentary in a satirical way.

Bihu dance

classical Indian dance-drama noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the countrys present day state of Kerala. Traditionally there are 101 classical Kathakali stories, though the commonly staged among them these days total less than one-third that number. Almost all of them were initially composed to last a whole night. Nowadays, there is increasing popularity for concise, or oftener select, versions of stories so as the performance lasts not more than three to four hours from evening. Thus, many stories find stage presentation in parts rather than totality. And the selection is based on criteria like choreographical beauty, thematic relevance or their melodramatic elements. Sure, Kathakali is a classical art form, but it can be appreciated also by novices all contributed by the elegant looks of its character, their abstract movement and its synchronisation with the musical notes and rhythmic beats.

Kathakali is a highly stylized

Kurathi Attam

is the traditional folk dance form of the Kurathi, sometimes referred to as mountain gypsies, of the state of Tamil Nadu. The culture of the Kurathi is endangered and the Indian government is taking steps to protect the tribe and encourage the continuation of their arts.Kurathi Attam is known for its energetic movements and the beautiful songs which speak about the natural riches of the Kurathis homeland.

is a classical Indian dance form originating in Tamil Nadu, India. One of the oldest of the classical dance forms in India, it is also known as the fifth Veda. Bharatanatyam is usually accompanied by the classical music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam, as the name depicts is the combination of:BHA- Bhava (Expression), RA- Raga (Music) and TA- Tala (Rhythm) Bharatanatyam is a traditional dance-form known for its grace, purity, tenderness, and sculpturesque poses. Today, it is one of the most popular and widely performed dance styles and is practiced by many dancers all over the world. Bharatanatyam is considered to be a fire-dance the mystic manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body. The movements of an authentic Bharatanatyam dancer resemble the movements of a dancing flame.

Bharatanatyam

In its religious form, the dance is performed in front of an image of the goddess Mariamman. The dancer bears on his or her head a brass pot filled with uncooked rice, decorated with flowers and surrounded by a bamboo frame, and tumbles and leaps to the rhythm of a song without spilling a grain. Karakattam is usually performed to a special type of song known as temmanguppttu or thevar patty, a folk song in the mode of a lover speaking to his beloved, to the accompaniment of a nadaswaram and melam.

Karakattam