THIRUMALA: IT is a record of sorts that a classical music programme, Naada Neeraajanam, launched by the TTD for its Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel, has been being organised everyday for the last one year without a break on a daily basis and it evoked an overwhelming response from rasikas (connoisseurs). To celebrate its one year of success, the TTD will organise a threeday festival at Tirumala from August 14 to 16.
Speaking to Express, TTD executive officer IYR Krishna Rao says that Naada Neerajanam was conceived to fill the prime time slot on the SV Bhakti Channel. Everyday a classical recital by one eminent artiste or artistes is conducted in an auditorium and the programme is telecast on TTD's TV channel later. ``What we started as a stopgap arrangement till the channel produced its own programmes for the prime time slot became a big hit with the audience and we had no option but to continue it," Krishna Rao said.
It started with Carnatic music concert and was soon extended to other classical music forms in the country. From Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna and Lata Mangeshkar to a host of other vocalists, several renowned musicians took part in the programme. Audiences were so spellbound with the programmes that they remained glued to their seats and did not get up in during a heavy downpour, the EO said.
The TTD requested Kanyakumari, wellknown Carnatic violinist who had given the inaugural concert, to present a symphony during the three day festival and she generously agreed to the request. On August 15, veteran Congress leader and ICCR chairman Karan Singh and Union minister for information and broadcasting Ambika Soni will attend as guests of honour. A troupe from Bali Islands in Indonesia will present a Ramayana ballet. There will also be Yakshaganas during the festival.