A recent short train journey from Delft to Amsterdam with Indians singing and carrying along their musical instruments, reminded me of the scene from the Shankar film Anniyan , where the lead pair alongwith other actors, who play musicians, travel to Tiruvaiyaru for the Tyagaraja aradhana.
While Tyagaraja aradhana is an annual feature in the U.S. (Cleveland), it took place for the first time in the Netherlands.
Presented by Madras Chorus, the event was held at Sri Arunachaleswara Temple in Beverwijk, 30 km off Amsterdam.
Around 40 vocalists and percussionists participated in the programme.
The Madras Chorus is an association of musicians and music lovers of Delft, where there are about 300 Indian students studying in the 175-year-old Technical University.
Usually the group organises an annual event called ‘Sarang,’ focussing on Indian film music. However, some of the members thought it fit to organise the Tyagaraja aradhana. The message was shared in the social media and people started showing interest.
On the occasion, a video clipping of maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman congratulating the organisers and conveying his blessings was screened. He suggested that the event should be made an annual affair.
