The World of Courtesans c8.102

c8.102

For instance, *ghata* was arranged every fortnight or every month or on a well-known festival day in the temple of Sarasvati, the patron goddess of learning and of all the arts. The commentary says it was held on the Vasanta Panchami day. On this festival day the *niyuktas* (who are defined as those nagarakas and dancers who were appointed by the nayaka to dance in the temple and worship the goddess every month or every fortnight) participated in the festival. Because of their profession or the vow they had undertaken, the professionals and amateurs met together and joined by the nagarakas, they all became members of the *samaja* which was also visited by dancers and actors hailing from distant places. They were invited to perform on important festival days or other days. The *niyuktas* or persons appointed for specific performances, however, preferred to perform on festival days alone for they received a stipulated fees then.