Bhagavata Mela is a classical Indian dance that is performed in Tamil Nadu,[1] particularly the Thanjavur area.[2][3] It is choreographed as an annual Vaishnavism tradition in Melattur and nearby regions, and celebrated as a dance-drama performance art.[2][4] The dance art has roots in a historic movement of practitioners of Kuchipudi, another Indian classical dance art,[2] from Andhra Pradesh to the kingdom of Tanjavur.
The term Bhagavata, state Brandon and Banham, refers to the Hindu text Bhagavata Purana.[2]Mela is a Sanskrit word that means "gathering, meeting of a group" and suggests a folk festival.[5] The traditional Bhagavata Mela performance acts out the legends of Hinduism,[4] set to the Carnatic style music.
↑Williams 2004, pp. 83–84, the other major classical Indian dances are: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Sattriya, Cchau, Manipuri, Yaksagana and Bhagavata Mela. sfn error: no target: CITEREFWilliams2004 (help)