Nayana Ashok is a content writer with over five years of experience creating engaging, SEO-optimised content across various topics, including lifestyle, health and wellness, technology, community-focused stories, and business trends. She holds an MPhil, MA, and BA in English Literature from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and brings a strong academic grounding in language and storytelling to her work.
Her writing combines creative flair with clarity and structure, enabling her to craft insightful blogs, feature articles, and digital content tailored for diverse audiences. Known for her adaptability and attention to detail, she has worked on editorial and branded content projects that demand creativity and precision.
Nayana’s areas of interest include cultural narratives, emerging technologies, health communication, and socially impactful reporting. She is particularly drawn to stories that bridge community experiences with broader societal themes.
Looking to explore a new passion, connect with Indian cultural heritage, or simply stay active through art? Discover the elegance and depth of Bharatanatyam – a classical Indian dance form that combines rhythm, expression, and tradition. Starting this May, weekly Bharatanatyam dance classes will be held at the Grand Union Village Community Centre in Northolt, offering an enriching experience for both beginners and those with some prior training. Whether you're interested in mastering a new skill or reconnecting with your roots, these classes are the perfect way to embark on your dance journey.
Dates: Wednesday, 21 May & Wednesday, 28 May Time: Weekly sessions (please check Eventbrite for exact timings) Location: Grand Union Village Community Centre, 1st Floor, Weaver House, Higham Mews, Northolt UB5 6FP
These Bharatanatyam classes in Northolt are designed to be inclusive, welcoming complete beginners as well as dancers who have some experience with classical Indian dance. Each session is thoughtfully curated to cover essential techniques, including adavus (basic steps), mudras (hand gestures), and abhinaya (facial expressions), which are the building blocks of this traditional South Indian dance form.
Bharatanatyam is not just a dance – it’s a discipline that builds strength, flexibility, posture, and emotional expression. It’s rooted in centuries of Indian history and is often considered a spiritual performance art, representing stories from ancient texts through graceful movements and intricate footwork.
Participating in Bharatanatyam classes can also benefit your mental wellbeing, help you relieve stress, and improve your confidence and stage presence. For children and adults alike, it is a meaningful way to stay active while developing cultural awareness and creative talent.
These classes are open to all – children, teens, and adults – who have a passion for dance or are simply curious to try something new. Whether you’ve always admired Indian classical dance from afar or are seeking to polish your performance skills, this course offers the right balance of structure and creativity.
No prior experience in Bharatanatyam is necessary, making this an excellent opportunity for first-time dancers. Fairly trained dancers will also find value in refining their form and deepening their understanding of the art under expert guidance.
The Grand Union Village Community Centre, located at Higham Mews in Northolt, is easily accessible and provides a comfortable space for learning and creativity. Its welcoming atmosphere ensures that every student feels supported and inspired throughout their dance journey.
Due to high interest and limited capacity, advance booking is highly recommended. Secure your place now on Eventbrite and take your first step into the world of Bharatanatyam.
London is set to host an unforgettable night of spiritual depth and musical brilliance as the renowned Sufi qawwali ensemble Fanna-Fi-Allah brings their celebrated performance to Union Chapel on Friday, 27 June. Located at 19b Compton Terrace, the historic and acoustically rich venue in Islington will come alive with the passionate, poetic and soul-stirring sounds of qawwali — a centuries-old devotional music tradition rooted in the mystical practices of Sufism. This much-anticipated concert promises to be a transcendent cultural experience, fusing ancient rhythm, powerful vocals and heartfelt devotion in a way that deeply resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
Fanna-Fi-Allah, an ensemble revered across continents for their authentic interpretations of classical qawwali, continues to preserve and elevate this spiritual art form with integrity and passion. With decades of dedication and training under legendary qawwals in Pakistan and India, the group has become one of the most respected global ambassadors of Sufi music. Their performances are marked by an electrifying blend of tabla, harmonium, handclaps and rich vocal harmonies that build to ecstatic crescendos — transporting listeners into a meditative and emotional state known in the Sufi tradition as haal.
The ensemble’s name, Fanna-Fi-Allah, translates to “annihilation in the divine,” reflecting the central Sufi concept of dissolving the ego in union with the divine presence. This philosophy echoes through every note they sing, drawing from the works of revered Sufi poets such as Rumi, Bulleh Shah, Amir Khusrow and Kabir. The group’s musical journey is not merely performance but devotion — a sacred offering intended to uplift and connect hearts across linguistic, cultural and spiritual boundaries.
Over the years, Fanna-Fi-Allah has performed at some of the world’s leading world music festivals and venues, including in the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Asia. Their London appearance offers UK audiences a rare opportunity to witness the spiritual intensity and cultural richness of qawwali performed with deep respect for its origins. This performance at Union Chapel — a space renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual ambiance — will only enhance the depth of the experience.
As interest in spiritual and world music continues to grow, events like this serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of sacred traditions. In a time when many seek moments of stillness, connection and meaning, the devotional energy of Fanna-Fi-Allah’s qawwali offers something more than entertainment — it offers healing, remembrance, and transcendence.
Tickets and event details are available at www.unionchapel.org.uk. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this rare and powerful musical gathering — one that bridges centuries of Sufi tradition with the vibrancy of modern global audiences.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.