Margam, literally meaning 'Path' gives the order of the dances to be performed in a performance or Arangetram.
Have you ever wondered if there is a proper schedule or time table for the dance performances? Why should allarippu come before Jathiswaram? Should we perfrom Mangalam after Thillana? What even is Varnam? The predetermined Margam in Bharatnatyam, gives the answer we seek.
It begins with Pushpanjali - an offering of flowers for the deities. Nowadays modifications with Bells or twinkling lights are also common. In traditional Bharatnatyam programs, teachers might also prefer to start with a small Bhajan for Namaskaram rather than doing the Namaskaram backstage.
It is followed by Alarippu which is an inhibition of God, guru and the performer. Alarippu is also the first item learnt by a dancer and features the delicate head movement 'attami.'
Jathiswaram a combination of 'Jathi' and 'swaram' is the performance of various Jathis usually without any particular theme/deity.
Shabdam which is the fourth part of the Margam, tells a story or various stories with short Jathi intervals through Abhinaya. The most popular being Sarasi jakshulu or Madu meikum Kanne both for Lord Krishna
Varnam is the longest and the core of the Margam. It constitutes of Nritta (Jathis) along with short sancharis or stories of the deity or theme. It usually lasts for 30 minutes and constitutes of Theermana adavus in the middle to indicate the change between stances.
Padam includes Pallavi, Anupallavi and Charanas. They are songs in praise of deities/ emphasis of themes and are the most preferred items for competitions or shows. One can add how many ever Padams or Shabdams they prefer in a recital.
Thillana is a rhythmic piece indicating the final performance and constitues of Jathis in various speeds followed by a short stanza of salutation to the deity.
Mangalam which is the final piece is to indicate the happy ending or success of a performance usually ended with the final Namaskaram. Some teachers also prefer ending programs with Shlokas or verses to sooth the performer and the audience and to bring them back from the high of the performance.
A Margam can also be customized based on the theme, time limits or requirements of performances though it remains unchanged in Arangetrams.
( By Varsha Ramgopal, Founder)
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