Mohiniattam 3 - The Lovely Danseuse

As the Mohiniattam danseuse enters, Attired in beige pleated Saree, Angelic in appearance, shimmering in gold, Accompanied by the divine sound of Edakka beats, All eyes are directed towards the centre stage, At the beautiful enchantress, An epitome of grace and loveliness! Her hair swept like a crown, High above the jewelled head, Harboured at an angle into a pretty bun, Hedged and circled with sweet scented jasmine Helmed together in rows of thick profusion! How pretty are the white buds of jasmine Heralding a sweet-scented fragrance of love! The umbrella-cup shaped earrings, The famed ‘Jimikki kammal' of Kerala, The pretty earring that dangles and swings, To the rhythmic beats of the drums, The gentle ‘Rechakas' of the neck, The mesmerising eyes moving elegantly To the music of Sopanam! A long golden chain rests on the bosom, Assembled together with ‘Lakshmi' coins. As the Mohiniattam recital begins, An appreciative audience begins to applaud in An atmosphere of deep anticipation of an untold joy, All ‘Lakshmis' begin to bounce jubilantly Agile with each beat, each 'Mudra', each melody!