Welcome to Devaniya, the school of Kathak dance headed by Jigyasa Giri in Chennai.
Kathak looks light, fluid, almost weightless.
But behind every smooth movement are strong feet, focused breath, countless corrections, and unwavering dedication.
A new seed, a new sapling, a new branch on an old oak….. and the old is renewed yet once more. How beautiful the cyclic nature of existence.
We welcome our new batch of eager and sincere students and wish them a long and fulfilling tryst with kathak at Devaniya.
Glimpses from their first class where students begin learning strong foundation, correct posture, and the joy of movement.
Registrations open at devaniya for beginners - Adults and children!
DM us for details.
You can email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +919940055892
11/01/2026
Devaniya started as a one person space 20 years ago. With no possessions such as ready music, choreographies, costumes etc., it started on an empty slate, a canvas of blessings of
Maatha, Pitha, Guru, Deva and love, passion, dedication that has grown and evolved into the founder school of the Dakshin Gharana of Kathak over the last two decades.
To be recognised as such and be invited to present our production "Dancing Illusions In Stillness“ (DIIS) on the 7th of January 2026 at the 19th annual dance festival of The Music Academy Madras was God's way to help us bring to an audience the Ultimate Truth and wisdom of our tradition through this production.
DIIS is not entertainment. It is a journey of self enquiry and enrichment if one can glean from it that which is beyond physical movement.
It is art put to best use.
With gratitude to Ishwara we share a few moments with you...
Pic credits: Diwakar AS
31/12/2025
Through this time bound existence, may we know that this glorious planet, our earth mother shall always remain divinely suspended in eternal space. What a magnificent arrangement where every you and me are but beautiful, transient grains of sand….
28/12/2025
Devaniya is honoured to perform at the prestigious Music Academy dance festival, this Margazhi season.
We look forward to contributing to this respected platform of art where tradition, discipline, and passion converge.
21/12/2025
It was sometime mid august this year - I was choreographing a new piece and there was one part that was eluding me. I felt stuck! A few days later it just came through, much to my relief and actually turned out beyond my expectation. That night the strangest thought passed my mind - what would Uday Shankar ji think of this bit of choreo? I don’t know why the thought came. And I laughed and said to myself - just do your best and pray for blessings.
Exactly three days later I received news that my name has been selected to receive the attendance annual award and the category - Uday Shankar Choreography Award!
Even writing about it brings goosebumps!
To receive such a prestigious award in the 25th year celebration of Prof Ashish & Elisabeth Khokar’s ‘attendance’, India’s only yearbook on dance, without having to canvas, apply, or throw hints is a blessing of stalwarts beyond one’s imagination 🙏
That someone somewhere noticed, appreciated and celebrated our years of tapasya and sadhana, is deeply touching and heartwarming.
The function in Bangalore on the evening of 19th December was simple, neat and straightforward. But beyond that was the warmth, the energy of genuine love for the arts that shone through.
My sincere gratitude to the hosts - ‘attendance’ founded by Prof Ashish Mohan Khokar and his elegant wife Elisabeth Hall Khokar.
kala-Nadam, the ‘Nadam’ community of art lovers headed by Shri Murli Mohan and Ms. Nandini Mehta.
A special mention:
It was an honour to have met and interacted with Shri Chiranjiv Singh, ex Additional Chief Secretary Karnataka/ Finance and Culture secretary, Ambassador to UNESCO.
Speaking in context of the award - this is Shree Chiranjiv Singh’s 15th year as Chairman of AttenDance Awards, whose most distinguished task it is to carefully select awardees for 5 awards representing iconic names - Shri Ram Gopal for Best Male Soloist, Shri Uday Shankar for Choreography, Guru Rukmini Devi for overall contribution, Guru M.K.Saroja for True Guru Shishya parampara and Guru Maya Rao Lifetime achievement award.
To say Devaniya is blessed, is an understatement 🙏
- Jigyasa Giri
17/12/2025
A heartfelt thanks to for reviewing Devaniya’s Mahal so beautifully. The crisp clarity of your keen observation and balanced perspective truly captured the spirit and intent behind Mahal.
We deeply appreciate your support and insight 🙏🏻
Read here: https://www.sruti.com/articles/reviews/mahal-by-devaniya?fbclid=PAdGRzdgOt7bZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAadFI2ukhJ-AAW8x8GPqPflKhna_66uRWT4rXn3LrVF4AUJc_sbsK2D_kttung_aem_xKAoaKwJV-xTTHXAb_9u6Q (clickable link in bio)
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Devaniya was delighted to be a part of the Elements Cultural Chamber celebrations hosted by Mr. Ashwin Iyer.
The evening began with an informal, yet engaging conversation with our Acharya, Jigyasa Giri, followed by an hour of soulful performance by our dancers, Swetha and Siddhi.
For us, it was a beautiful opportunity to share our art, our discipline, and our joy with a warm and appreciative audience.
Grateful to Mr. Ashwin for inviting us and for creating a space where culture can shine. ✨🤍
16/11/2025
Dhanyosmi Chennai 🙏