Lasya

The term Lāsya , in the context of Hindu mythology, describes the dance performed by Goddess Parvati as it expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty. She is believed to have danced the Lāsya in response to the male energy of the cosmic dance of Tandava performed by Lord Shiva. In a literal sense, Lāsya means beauty, happiness, enchanting, and grace.

Professor Inayat Khan in his book "Munqar Musicar"(1912) wrote: "Women and men both perform this dance and there are a number of recognized masters (ustad) of it in India. Lasya is accompanied by two sarangi players and a tabid, and sometimes a manjira (small indian cymbals). It is danced by one woman, or by two together".^[1]

Lāsya is an element which is graceful, delicate and expresses emotions on a gentle level. It is associated with the dance of women because Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva taught it to Usha (daughter of Sage Banasura). Then she passed on this art to women. Lāsya is mainly of four types: SHRINKALA, LATA, PINDI and BHEDYAKA.^[2]

Etymology[]

The Indian classical music terminology talam has been etymologically derived from the union of the dances of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Tandavam and Lasyam). The expression of happiness and joy in dance is also termed as Lasyam.lt means beauty and a graceful dance.

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