Expert Guide · Since 1967
The Complete Arangetram Checklist
An arangetram is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. Getting every item right — from the silk costume to the last ankle bell — takes planning. This checklist covers everything a dancer needs, in the right order, with timelines and tips from our 57 years of experience dressing arangetrams.
The Costume
The Bharatanatyam costume is the centrepiece. Choose pure Kanchipuram or Mysore silk for an arangetram — it photographs beautifully and commands the stage. Key pieces: the Koorai (skirt), Blouse, Payjama/fan piece, and pleats. Order at least 8–10 weeks before the performance date — 6 weeks for stitching, 2 weeks buffer for fittings and shipping if abroad.
Temple Jewellery
A complete arangetram jewellery set includes: Rakodi (head ornament), Nethichutti (forehead drop), Jimikki (ear drops), Necklace (Adigai), Haram (long chain), Bangles (Valayal) × 2 sets, Oddiyanam (waist belt), Vanki (upper arm), and Mattal (ear-to-hair chain). Buy as a matched set for consistent finish — antique gold with kemp stone is the most traditional choice.
Ankle Bells (Silambu / Salangai)
Silambu are the dancer's voice — choose the weight based on the dancer's age and training stage. Brass silambu: 100g–200g for children. Bronze: 250g–350g for senior students. The guru usually specifies weight. Buy 1–2 sets (one for practice in the lead-up, one new pair for the event).
Flowers & Hair Accessories
Fresh flowers (typically jasmine + coloured flowers to match costume) are arranged on the day. Order from your venue city's florist. Also needed: Hair bun pins, hair ring, and Rakodi clip base if not using a traditional clip. Artificial flower backups are wise for international arangetrams.
Makeup
Classical Bharatanatyam makeup is bold and theatrical: red base for the eyes, white lower eyelid, red lips, and prominent dot (pottu). Needed: Stage foundation (matching skin tone), red lipstick, kohl / kajal, white face paint or eye drops, adhesive kumkum. Have a professional dance makeup artist on the day — self-makeup rarely holds up under stage lights.
Practice Needs
In the lead-up: a set of practice silambu (slightly lighter), practice costume or a pavadai for daily rehearsal, and practice jewellery (imitation) to get used to the weight and feel. Avoid using performance jewellery for practice — it scratches and loses finish.
Timeline
18 weeks before: choose costume design, confirm colours with guru. 14 weeks before: take measurements, place costume order. 10 weeks before: place jewellery order. 8 weeks before: first costume fitting. 4 weeks before: silambu, flowers, makeup plan confirmed. 1 week before: full dress rehearsal. Day before: pack all items in checklist order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before the arangetram should I order the costume?
Order at least 8–10 weeks before the performance date. Custom stitching takes 3–4 weeks; allow extra time for fittings and international shipping if you're overseas. During peak season (October–February) book 12 weeks in advance.
What is included in a complete arangetram jewellery set?
A complete set includes: rakodi, nethichutti, jimikki, necklace (adigai), haram, valayal (bangles), oddiyanam (waist belt), vanki (upper arm band), and mattal (ear chain). Temple jewellery in antique gold finish is traditional.
Should I buy imitation or original temple jewellery for an arangetram?
Original temple jewellery (copper or brass base with gold finish) is strongly recommended for arangetrams — it photographs better, lasts decades, and is considered traditional. Imitation sets are fine for regular performances and practice.
What weight silambu (ankle bells) is right for an arangetram?
For teenagers and adults, 250g–350g brass or bronze silambu is standard. Your guru will advise based on your training stage. Buy new silambu for the arangetram — the bells sound cleaner when new.
Can Shanthi Tailors ship an arangetram costume internationally?
Yes. We ship to 120+ countries. International orders should be placed 10–12 weeks before the arangetram to allow for stitching (4 weeks) and shipping (7–14 business days by courier).
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