The Suriya Project

28/08/2026

In frame: a teacher-student interaction during rehearsals.

If you're interested in learning Indian classical dance, music, art, kolam, yoga, kalari, or simply listening to stories that shape our culture, we'll connect you to a proficient teacher - be it in person or online!

As a non-profit, we make sure artists and teachers are properly compensated for their time and skill, while keeping learning within reach. Where it's needed, part-sponsorship is available to make that access even wider.

DM to learn, donate, or support.

17/08/2026

Learn the music behind the movement.

RAGAM AND TALAM is a 5-week series designed for Bharatanatyam dancers who want to strengthen their musical foundations. Across the sessions, dancers will learn to identify talam cycles and musical cues, recognise ragam and the mood it carries, and start to feel rhythm in a way that transforms adavus, korvais, and abhinaya.

Led by Lilavan Gangen, a Cape Town–based multi-instrumentalist who holds a BMus in Jazz Performance from UCT and has specialised training in Indian classical music. Lilavan is well-known for his patience in teaching music to students of all ages!

Samaj Centre, Cape Town
Wednesdays, 18h00–20h00 | 14 Oct – 18 Nov 2026
10 spots available | Cost R1100
Contact Darshana on 0823336823

Sponsored spots available to students who apply before 10 September.

A collaboration between Aaraadhana & The Suriya Project.

13/08/2026

Save the date for our SARI project!
Something for every woman to get excited about..
Details to follow.

18/07/2026

Something we tried for this performance: Sponsor a Senior.

Our heritage carries generations of dance, music, poetry and stories. For many elders in our community, it's something they've known since childhood, and there's a particular joy in seeing it still alive and celebrated today.

Sponsor a Senior was our way of making sure more elders could be part of that — covering a ticket, arranging transport, simply making space for someone to attend who might not have otherwise.

We asked younger members of our community to sponsor an elder's seat. Some sponsored a parent or grandparent. Others sponsored someone from our list, someone they'd never met.

The foyer afterwards was full of colour and conversation - old friends finding each other, some sharing stories with us from performances decades ago.

To everyone who sponsored a seat, and to the women (see last photo) who brought their seniors community to share the afternoon with us — thank you.

April 2026

10/07/2026

In frame: Darshana Rama and Maitreyi Rama

Captures from Anubhava, May 2026 in Cape Town.

25/06/2026

M A Y | A roadtrip with K Sarveshan, discovering new places, chatting to new people, soaking up culture wherever we go.

&D

21/06/2026

13/06/2026

Whether you're a beginner or already practicing YOGA, we welcome you to a morning of stretching, relaxation and mindful journaling at The Loft, Te Water House.

This YOGA workshop is suitable to all ages, genders, and fitness levels. If you've been curious about yoga but haven't yet tried it, here's your opportunity.

Come for the YOGA (up at The Loft)
Stay for the COFFEE (down at The Bakery)

Whatsapp Suriya on 0725532046 to reserve your spot (limited space available). Bring a mat, a small blanket, a journal - and bring a friend along too!

26/05/2026

A P R I L | The Southern Roots Residency

15/05/2026

M A R C H | A dance space in GR.