GAJJE POOJA

 Gajje Pooja

"Gajje Pooja" is a traditional segment in the Kuchipudi dance repertoire, particularly associated with the dance dramas performed in the Kuchipudi style. It is a ritualistic dance performed to pay homage to Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu deity, who is revered as the remover of obstacles and the patron of arts and sciences.

During the Gajje Pooja, dancers typically portray the character of Lord Ganesha. They may wear elaborate costumes and adornments resembling the deity, including an elephant headpiece or mask. The dance often involves rhythmic movements, gestures, and expressions that symbolize Ganesha's attributes and characteristics.

The term "Gajje" refers to the anklets worn by the dancers, which produce a distinct sound as they move. These anklets are an essential part of traditional Indian dance forms and play a significant role in accentuating the rhythm and adding auditory appeal to the performance.

The Gajje Pooja segment is not only a devotional offering but also serves as a traditional invocation to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha for a successful and auspicious performance. It sets the tone for the subsequent pieces in the dance drama, creating a spiritual ambiance and invoking a sense of reverence among the performers and the audience alike.

Overall, Gajje Pooja in Kuchipudi showcases the fusion of artistry, spirituality, and cultural traditions inherent in Indian classical dance forms, enriching the performance experience with its devotional fervor and aesthetic beauty.

Kinkini is the anklet bells which dancer wears while dancing.

The dancer should reverently touch her forehead and eyes with them before she wears it for the dance performance as an offering of respect. The features of the Kinkini is described in Abhinaya Darpana and it is recited as a prayer by the dancer.

SLOKAM:

 “Suswarascha Suroopascha Sookshma Nakshatra Devathaha 

Kinkinya Kaamsyarachitha Ekaikaangulikaantharam 

Bhandiyaaneelasoothrena Granthibischa Dridampunaha 

Shathadwayam Shathamvaapi Paadayornaatyachaarini“

Kinkini is the anklet bells which dancer wears while dancing. The dancer should reverently touch her forehead and eyes with them before she wears it for the dance performance as an offering of respect. The features of the Kinkini is described in Abhinaya Darpana and it is recited as a prayer by the dancer.

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