Gudi Sambaraalu

Paramparaa Foundation signifies the carrying forward of our cultural heritage to the future generation. India has had a long romance with art – be it dance, drama or music. These have a transcendental spiritual significance in our country. They are considered to be divine gifts of God and a way of worshiping the Gods. The origin of these performing arts can be traced back to temples, village squares and sacred spaces where people congregated to learn and appreciate the art forms. Since dance and music were originally an important part of the temple ritual, provision for an arena within the temple was distinct. Several temples in India have a “Natya mandapam”, lending an atmosphere of beauty and grace and encouraging the aesthetic value of the performing arts.

On these very lines was born Gudi Sambaraalu – a beginning of a romance with art and culture – in 2015. Starting from the locales in and around Hyderabad, Gudi Sambaraalu has spread its wings across the remote temples of Telangana and moved on to capture the audience in and across Andhra. It brings together reputed artists and maestros of various dance forms to our temples. This has helped to discover and bring to light the many forgotten dance forms. It has been Paramparaa Foundation’s objective to give common man easy access to these various art forms, their significance, and cultural symbolism.

Paramparaa Foundation’s ambitious plan has taken Gudi Sambaraalu Art and Culture Festival to the ancient temples of Srisailam, Srikalahasti, Simhachalam, Vijayawada, Warangal, Bhongir, Karimnagar and Hyderabad.

Performances so far included, to name a few, some of the best-known dance styles – bringing to light the intricate footwork of Kathak, soft lyrical symbolism of Odissi, the dance dramas of Kuchipudi, love-inspired raslilas of Manipuri, highly traditional Bharatnatyam, story plays and elaborate costumes of Kathakali and Kutiyattam.

We walk down the lanes of heritage, culture and knowledge hand in hand with people coming from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, opening avenues for the future generations to witness and appreciate the richness of their ancestry.

Within six years of its origin, Paramparaa Foundation has had an impact on people. Its influence can be visible in the fact that many people today are conducting weddings in the temple courtyards and are nurturing music and dance by having upcoming artists perform on such meaningful occasions. There is a shift from traditional dance being encouraged by just elite art enthusiasts to being appreciated by the community as a whole.

Ushering the traditional dance and music back to our temples in a way that is appealing to common man, Gudi Sambaraalu brings to life the magic of a bygone era…