Chidakash Kalalay
An Indian theatre group rooted in the Mārga Nāṭya Paramparā, where theatre is approached as sādhana—a spiritual practice.
चिदाकाश कलालय
Centre of Art and Divinity
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this institution is committed to preserve and serve the traditional art and culture. Founded in 2013, Chidakash Kalalay stands amidst the babel of modern society as a beacon of ancient wisdom.
This artistic endeavour is the brainchild of Piyal Bhattacharya, who has dedicated his life to determine and preserve the practice and propagation of Ancient Indian Art forms. This is primarily founded upon the practice and performance based on the wisdom of Bharata's Natya-system explored in Natyashastra. This has been envisioned and researched into a form of practice named as Mārga Nāṭya.
Established in 2013, this institution endeavours to build consciousness about the richness and the importance of Guru-Shishya Parampara and self-improvement within all. It is not merely an art institution, but a way of life—a parallel culture where disciples develop into artists who can contribute to society by enriching the Indian Heritage.
The Philosophy
This institution believes in the simple life of an ashram, where knowledge, wisdom, and propagation of art and culture play the major role. An institution where the practice area is built upon bamboos with clay-tablet roof and mud floor, without the modern luxury of fans or air-conditioned studios. Here, the importance is given to the contemplative nature of art.
A Different Approach
A deviation from the modern practice of inviting actors to form a theatre group, here, individuals go through an enriching experience where they are given an opportunity to bloom. These disciples, even when finances are short, are always involved in the practice of art—whether it is gardening, looking for lotus seeds and learning how to grow them, learning kalamkari painting during the winter holidays, searching for ways to naturally dye the costumes, designing their own props—a wholesome practice of art.
Not only are they involved in resurrecting the lost tradition of Bharata's practice of Natyashastra, they are fulfilling the essential meaning of practicing Indian Classical Art. This involves detachment from the fast modern life, and it is practiced through the perseverance of such art forms under one roof. This is a way to traverse in a different time-space in order to completely immerse oneself in pursuing this form.
This is not a mere art form—this is a way of life, a parallel culture where the disciples develop into artists who can contribute to society by enriching the Indian Heritage.
Core Values
Guru-Shishya Parampara
The ancient tradition of knowledge transfer from master to disciple, where learning transcends mere technique to become a transformative spiritual practice.
Natyashastra Wisdom
Deep commitment to Bharata's comprehensive treatise on performing arts, approaching it not as historical text but as living practice.
Holistic Practice
Integration of all aspects of life—from gardening to costume-making—as part of the artistic journey, embracing simplicity and self-sufficiency.
Mārga Nāṭya Revival
Dedicated reconstruction of the ancient classical theatre system, preserving karanas, musical instruments, and performance traditions.
Theatre as Sādhana
Approaching theatrical practice as spiritual discipline, where art becomes a path to self-realization and divine connection.
Cultural Heritage
Commitment to preserving and enriching India's classical heritage, ensuring ancient traditions remain alive for future generations.
This is not a mere art form—this is a way of life, a parallel culture where the disciples develop into artists who can contribute to society by enriching the Indian Heritage.
Our Journey
Foundation
Chidakash Kalalay was established by Piyal Bhattacharya with the vision of reviving Mārga Nāṭya and preserving ancient Indian theatrical traditions.
Research & Reconstruction
Intensive research into Natyashastra, reconstruction of the 108 karanas, revival of ancient instruments, and development of the Mārga Nāṭya methodology.
Spanda Art Space
Establishment of Spanda Art Space in Boral, creating a dedicated sanctuary for practice, performance, and preservation of ancient arts.
National Recognition
Piyal Bhattacharya received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for contribution to Sanskrit Theatre, marking a milestone in the revival of ancient traditions.
Continuing the Legacy
Ongoing practice, performances at national festivals, training of disciples, and dedication to keeping the flame of Mārga Nāṭya alive for future generations.
The Ashram Way of Life
At Chidakash Kalalay, disciples don't just learn theatre—they live it. In an age of air-conditioned studios and digital conveniences, we have chosen the path of simplicity. Our practice space, built with bamboo and clay, with mud floors beneath our feet, reminds us daily of our connection to earth and tradition.
This is where disciples garden, search for lotus seeds, learn kalamkari painting in winter, discover natural dyes for costumes, and craft their own props. Every activity is part of the artistic journey, every moment an opportunity to engage with the contemplative nature of classical art.
Here, we traverse a different time-space—one where ancient wisdom meets contemporary dedication, where the past is not merely remembered but actively lived.