Navarasas: The 9 Emotions

We all go through so many feelings, right? Sometimes we're super happy, and other times a bit sad. In this video, we're going to take a fun journey into the world of the nine big emotions that Indian dances express.

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The 9 emotions

They are:

  1. Shringara - Love
  2. Hasya - Laughter
  3. Karuna - Compassion
  4. Raudra - Anger
  5. Veera - Courage
  6. Bhayanaka - Fear
  7. Bibhatsya - Disgust
  8. Adbhuta - Wonder

As you watch the video and join in on the fun, you’ll become an expert at recognizing these emotions in yourself and the people around you. Remember, there are no good or bad feelings. Every emotion is important! 💝

Mono-acting

Here are nine situations, each representing a Navarasa. Act out the situation and ask your family to capture your expressions and dialogues on video!

  1. Shringara - Love 💕

    You’re at school, and it’s lunchtime. Oops, you forgot your lunch bag, and your tummy’s singing a lunchtime song. But wait, your BFF learns about your empty tummy and shares her lunch with you. Show how much you appreciate her.

  2. Hasya - Laughter 😆

    Imagine playing a funny prank on your friend. You sneakily place a fake bug in her lunch box. When she opens it and sees the bug, she jumps up in surprise, and you can’t stop laughing on the floor!

  3. Karuna - Compassion 😢

    Your sister’s had a tough day. She worked super hard for a math test but didn’t do so well. She’s embarrassed and upset. Show how much you care and comfort her.

  4. Raudra - Anger 😠

    You and your buddy both take piano classes. On your way back, your mischievous friend pushes you into a muddy puddle and dashes off. Show your anger at this muddy surprise.

  5. Veera - Courage 💪

    You adore dancing but are shy to perform in front of others. Your teacher picks you for the big Inter-school dance contest. You have to conquer your fear and dance in front of a huge crowd from different schools. Show your brave face!

  6. Bhayanaka - Fear 😨

    Imagine playing a wild game of ‘catch and cook’ at home. Suddenly, you tumble into the TV, and it crashes into a zillion pieces. You’re petrified and have no idea how to explain this to your parents. Show your scared face.

  7. Bibhatsya - Disgust 🤢

    In your school bag, you’d kept a tomato for a science experiment. But, whoops, you totally forgot about it. When you finally remember and open your bag, you find a squishy, smelly, rotten tomato. Show your “Ewww!” face.

  8. Adbhuta - Wonder 😲

    You hadn’t seen your friend in forever, and you didn’t even know where they moved. You reminisce about all the good times you had together. But the next morning, surprise! Your friend shows up at your home. Show your “Wow, I can’t believe it!” face.

  9. Shantha - Peace 🧘

    Picture this: You’re out shopping with your parents in a huge mall. You get lost in the game section while they’re busy buying stuff. You look around and can’t find them. Show your “Where are they?” face. But don’t worry; you eventually reunite, and all is calm again. Show your “Phew, I found them” face.

Don’t forget to share all your Navarasa acting scenes with us on our social media channels! We can’t wait to see your fantastic expressions and emotions in action.

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