6. The Preparation - The Beginning

There is something common with all Nartana students. We all, without a doubt, love Navrathri season, and especially the Golu event at Anu aunty's home. Every year, during the ten-day Dasara festival, aunty invites all her students and their families and feeds us some of the best south Indian comfort food. Her pineapple halwa, pongal/chutney, idly/sambar have become my favorites over the years and I salivate at the thought of those dishes! Aunty also teaches a new lesson on the last day of Navrathri, and, on that Vijaya Dasami day last year, October 23rd, 2023, aunty taught my very first lesson towards my Rangapravesam preparation!

I wore the more elaborate dance sari that evening, as opposed to our usual uniform (upon my mom's insistence :)). My grandparents were in town and they tagged along to watch. Aunty had me do the Ganesha puja and taught me the cross-legged step on the brass plate. Taara also got to learn a new step that day which she was very excited about. We all wrapped this brief but intimate celebration with some group pictures. 

Just like that, Navrathri became even more special to me and it is not *just* because of aunty's Golu food any more :)

A short video from that day: https://youtube.com/shorts/NB1-8zlsDUs?feature=share

At Anu aunty's Golu- 2018?

After Vijaya Dasami lesson, 2023

Wearing my gajjelu for my very first Rangapravesam lesson