NrityaKala (MERN)

NrityaKala is a MERN stack web app for learning and practicing Indian classical dance mudras with simple real-time hand detection using MediaPipe Hands.

Tech Stack

• Frontend: React (CRA), React Router, Recharts
• Backend: Node.js, Express
• Database: MongoDB (local or Atlas)
• Auth: JWT (stored in localStorage)

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• MongoDB running locally OR MongoDB Atlas connection string

1) Install dependencies

Root (for running both together)

npm install

Backend

cd backend
npm install
cp .env.example .env

Edit backend/.env and set:

• MONGO_URI
• JWT_SECRET

Frontend

cd ../frontend
npm install
cp .env.example .env

2) Seed mudras

From the project root:

npm run seed

3) Run the app (dev)

From the project root:

npm run dev

• Frontend: http://localhost:3000
• Backend: http://localhost:5000
• Health: http://localhost:5000/health

Notes

• Mudra detection is intentionally rule-based (simple) for reliability and easy maintenance.
• Practice sessions are saved when you click Stop & Save.