Basic Bharatanatyam Hand Gestures

The Hastabhinaya (gestures of the Hand), belongs to the Natyasastra science. The Natyasastra science deals with the rules involving theatrical performances. This science is being regarded as the science of stage. 

In this post, I would like to talk about 6 of the 28 single hand gestures that make up the vocabulary for the dance form of Bharatanatyam. These hand gestures are used in the story telling part in which they interpret the poet text with the story that is been told. They are also been used as ornaments to the rhythmic steps. 

I have decided to start with learning only 6 hand gestures on a  weekly basis so that I can have a more deep and comprehensive understanding on each of them. The following hand gestures are single because they can be used on one hand independently from the other. They can also be combined with the same gesture on the same hand, or two different gestures on each hand, depending on the situation.

	Pataka (meaning "Flag") Pakata looks like the Stop sign. It is done with all finger held straight. Remember there shouldnt be any gap in between of the fingers.
	Tripataka (meaning "three parts of Flag") Tripakata looks like pataka except for the small difference that the ring finger is bent to the front.
	Ardhapataka (meaning "half-Flag") Ardhapakata looks like pataka except for the small difference that the ring finger and little finger are both bent to the front. The rest of the fingers are held straight.
	Kartaramukha (meaning "arrow shaft face") In this one index finger and middle finger are straight rest of the fingers are closed in the palm.
	Mayura (meaning "peacock") In this one index ring finger and thumb touch each other; the rest of the fingers remain straight.
	Ardhachandra (meaning "half-moon") In this one  all fingers remain straight together and the thumb is pointing up.

I have also recorded a video. I know it sounds very 'funny'. Please don't laugh that much after hearing it (because I couldn't control myself after hearing it). I hope you enjoyed!