Thyagaraja Aaradhanotsavaalu gets a boost

Should the twin city musicians not take the lead to give a fillip to the annual celebrations – Thyagaraja Aaradhanotsavalu, marking a befitting tribute to the Saint?

It is heartening to see that all the musicians in twin cities, either as an institution or as a Music Sabha or even an individual, pay their homage to Saint Thyagaraja Swamy on Pushya Bahula Panchami every year. This year too, on February 8, 2015, three noted organisations from the city - Sri Rama Gana Sabha, Sharada Cultural Trust and Thyagaraja Aradhnatosava Utsava Samihti (Anandbagh) organised Thyagaraja Pancharatna Goshti Ganam at different venues. Rather it was a picturesque scene to witness as seasoned musicians, amateur singers, young students of music and budding singers congregated to sing in unison displaying enthusiasm and camaraderie of the music fraternity in full measure.

Rightly so! Because Thyagaraja Swamy, primarily a Telugu person, wrote immortal lyrics that made him a legend of classical music widely accepted beyond language and race. While Tamilnadu has standardised Thyagaraja Aradhanotsavalu at Thiruvayyaru and all the musicians congregate at one place to participate in the Aradhana Festival; thanks to Benagaluru Nagarathnamma who has sown the seeds by donating the land and her entire property for the Thyagaraja Aradhana Celebrations that are considered prestigious and sacred. The Government of Tamil Nadu too plays a role in the conduct of the event.

It is time that musicians and music lovers in the Telugu speaking region unite and in collaboration with the two State Governments identify a common place and enthuse all those interested to congregate in one place to participate in this sacred event, in order to pay a befitting tribute to the Saint. Such an effort will usher in the spirit of participation to make the divine celebration much more meaningful.

In the context, it is objective to take a more purposeful look at these celebrations. Some legendary musicians opined in the past that it is more apt to conduct the Jayanthi Celebrations of Thyagaraja Swamy, as Vardhanthi (death anniversary) connotes a sad feeling, while Jayanthi makes it a more rejoice full and jubilant affair. Would it not be appropriate to ponder over this matter and set the stage in the coming year? Should the twin city musicians not take the lead to set a precedent in bringing change for better?