Mohiniyattam – “Mad hava Maamva”

🎭 Performer: Mary Dhanya Joseph
🎤 Type of Performance: Classical Dance
🎼 Language: Malayalam

Performance Overview

🌸 Mohiniyattam is one of India’s most graceful and visually captivating classical dance forms, originating from the lush state of Kerala. Known for its slow, flowing movements, subtle expressions, and elegant costumes, this art form tells stories that connect deeply with the soul.

In this presentation, Mary Dhanya Joseph performs “Mad hava Maamva”, a traditional padam in Mohiniyattam that radiates devotion and love, often directed towards Lord Vishnu or Krishna. The composition is a heartfelt invocation, blending poetry, melody, and movement to evoke emotions of surrender, longing, and divine connection.

Through a carefully balanced pace, gentle swaying steps, intricate mudras (hand gestures), and expressive abhinaya (facial expressions), Mary creates a performance that is as much a spiritual journey as it is a visual delight.

About the Performer

💃 With formal training in both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, Mary Dhanya Joseph has dedicated years to mastering India’s classical traditions. Her dance is characterised by precision, emotive depth, and an ability to bring ancient stories to life for contemporary audiences.

She has performed on numerous stages, earning admiration for her ability to maintain the authenticity of the classical style while connecting with diverse audiences. For Mary, every performance is an offering — a chance to honour her gurus, celebrate the cultural heritage of Kerala, and share the spiritual essence of Indian classical dance with the world.

Why This Performance Stands Out at Namaste Cyprus 2025

🌟 Audiences will not just watch a dance — they will experience a piece of Kerala’s living tradition. With its devotional theme, elegant pacing, and timeless storytelling, “Mad hava Maamva” promises to be a serene yet powerful highlight of the festival, leaving viewers with a sense of peace, beauty, and cultural pride.