CHENNAI: The 13th season of the Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru music festival, by Lakshman Sruthi Musicals, was inaugurated in a grand ceremony yesterday at the Kamarajar Arangam, Teynampet. The eight-day music festival will feature leading Carnatic and Hindustani musicians, upcoming talents, dancers and discoursers in 60 shows. Prior to the inauguration, the guests were treated to Pancharathna Krithis by Suguna Varadachari.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries including Deva, award-winning music director, Siju prabhakaran, VP, Zee Tamizh television, SS Saravanan, president, Legend Saravana Stores and Padma Subrahmaniyam, Bharatanatyam dancer. “The brothers have organised and conducted such a wonderful event for that past 12 years,” said Padma. Music director Deva lit the lamp, inaugurating the ceremony. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, former chairperson, National Comission for Women unveiled the statue of Balamuralikrishna,in presence of his daughter, as a tribute to the late maestro.
Since 2014, the Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru confers an honorary title ‘Isai Aazhvar’ to honour musicians, and this year, Umayalpuram K Sivaraman, mridanga vidwan, was the recippient. “Looking at this grand festival, I feel this is even more worthy than the Oscars. I thank all my gurus, and my rasikas for this honour,” he said.
After the inaugural function the stage opened to a concert by Mahathi, Sudhakar and Anil Srinivasan followed by a veena performance by Rajesh Vaidhya.To provide ease of transport, there will be free bus drop services from the show for rasikas, in 12 routes from 9.45pm. There are also several food stalls at the venue.Chennaiyil Thiruvaiyaru will be on till Dec 25. For tickets visit www.lakshmanshruthi.com or call 48562170