CHENNAI: The 26th Bharatham Festival witnessed a good turn out at Vani Mahal on Tuesday.
At the annual festival, musicians are awarded for their contribution in the field of arts. This year, the Vani Sudhakara Kalarasigan Award was given to five artistes — dancer Leela Samson, musicians Priya Sisters (Haripriya and Shanmuga Priya), saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath, mridangam artiste Kamalakar Rao and theatre artiste Neelakantan aka Neelu.
“We didn’t have any clue that a day would come when we would be sharing the stage with such doyens. I thank Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha for presenting us with this award,” said Hari Priya.
Kanchi Shankaracharya Vijayendra Sarawathi, who presided over the function, said, “It is our duty to spread carnatic music and tradition all over the world. We must make complete use of technology and do our bit to promote art and culture.”
The sabha also awarded five young artistes with the Best Junior Artiste Award.
The award ceremony concluded with a dance performance by Leela Samson and her students.
Kumararani Meena Muthiah and Crazy Mohan were also present at the event.