Upasana Dance Studio, ‘a Tribute to the Arts’

As we conclude our Arangettam 2026 gratitude series, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our coordinators who gave their time, energy, and care without ever seeking recognition. From months of planning to the countless details on the day, your quiet dedication and willingness to step in wherever needed allowed everything to come together with care.

With special appreciation to:
Swathi Rajeev
Uma Sridhar
Smitha Saji
Soumya Pratap

Behind every performance is a team whose expertise transforms months of preparation into a seamless experience. From preparing each student for the stage, to shaping the atmosphere through light, sound, and visual storytelling, their work is woven into every moment of the evening.

Our sincere gratitude to Varghese Master & Team, Jaleel Master & Team, and Resna Raj & Team for preparing our dancers with such care and professionalism. Mr. Kishore R. Menon, Mr. Ratheesh Kurumassery, and the D’Lites team for bringing the stage to life through lighting, sound, and screen. Mr. Shyju Azhikode & Team, Video Makers, for their photography and videography that beautifully documented Arangettam 2026; and Mr. Subash, Mr. Anvar Sadath, and Mr. Vinayakan for their dependable support behind the scenes as always. All your dedication and commitment were invaluable in making Arangettam 2026 the success it was.

Every performance tells a story. Preparing the audience to receive that story is an art in itself.

At Upasana, the role of the compère extends far beyond introducing each performance or dancer. Through thoughtful narration, careful study, and a deep understanding of the repertoire, they offer audiences a meaningful point of entry into each composition, illuminating its context while preserving the integrity of the performance.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Aysha John and Dr.Amrita Geevarghese, for the dedication, preparation, and grace with which every presentation at Arangettam 2026 was introduced. Your words enriched the audience’s experience, allowing each performance to be received with greater understanding and appreciation.

Thank you for your invaluable contribution to this milestone for many💛

An Arangettam is shaped not only by the dancers on stage, but by the collective excellence of those who journey alongside them.

As we reflect on Arangettam 2026, we extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the Pakkamelam ensemble. In our classical traditions, dance and music are inseparable, each giving life and meaning to the other. Through their experience and sensitivity, they lent voice, rhythm, and emotional depth to each performance, enriching the experience for dancers and audience alike.

We thank these distinguished artists for sharing their time and talent with our Upasanites, and for being an integral part of this milestone:

Sri. T. P. Vasudevan Namboodiri – Nattuvangam
Sri. Reju Narayanan – Vocals
Sri. Kiran Gopinath – Mrudangam
Sri. A. K. Raghunadhan – Flute
Sri. Suresh K. Namboothiri –Violin

With gratitude and appreciation✨
Upasana Family

Every Arangettam is a milestone.

Of years of discipline.
Of unwavering faith.
Of countless hands working quietly behind the scenes.

As we reflect on the journey of Arangettam 2026, we begin by celebrating the people who helped bring this milestone to life. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sri Vasudevan Namboothiri and Kalamandalam Nikhitha, whose guidance, patience, and belief in their students have shaped this journey at every step. Beyond choreography and technique, they have nurtured an understanding of discipline, responsibility, and reverence for the art form.

This trailer offers a glimpse into the many moments, seen and unseen, that shaped the experience.

Over the coming days, we will be sharing the stories of those whose contributions made it all possible💌

A sacred moment of prayer, gratitude, and reflection before stepping onto the stage.

Rooted in the blessings of our gurus and supported by dedication, discipline, and devotion, our Upasanites embraced this important milestone with grace.

As we look back on a beautiful Chilanga Pooja and Arangettam, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who was part of this journey — our gurus, students, families, and well-wishers.

We pray that our Upasanites continue to learn, stay curious, and carry their love for dance with them always. May the spirit of dance continue to inspire, guide, and enrich their journey. ✨🙏