
Annaiyai Maravenadi Varnam

Raagam - Abhogi
Thalam - Adi
Composer - K. N. Dandayudapani Pillai
Choreographer - Smt. Daya Ravi
A varnam is the centerpiece and longest, most challenging item in a traditional Indian classical dance recital. It tests a dancer’s stamina, technique, and emotional storytelling by seamlessly blending pure rhythmic footwork with expressive facial and hand gestures. This is a unique varnam with a profound moral message, especially relevant in today's busy world. It reminds us to honor our parents by expressing our love and respect through quality time.
The first half (Purvaangam) of the varnam extols “The mother” as equivalent to God. One can never forget all the sacrifices a mother makes even before the child is born into this earth. She bears the child for nine months, nourishing herself for delivering a healthy baby and a safe delivery. She cooks a variety of food and feeds her child and puts the baby to sleep telling lots of stories. She plays with the child like a friend and takes care of every member of the family with love and care.The second half (Utharaangam) of the varnam describes the father’s word as a hymn that is unsurpassed. A father is always proud of his child and teaches different skills other than basic education. He teaches the values of life, art forms, and culture and tradition to bring his child as a proud, dutiful citizen of society