The 166th aradhana of saint composer Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal will be held between January 27 and January 31 at the saint's samadhi on the banks of Cauvery in Thiruvaiyaru near here, said G. Rangaswamy Moopanar, president of Sri Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha at Thiruvaiyaru on Wednesday.
Pandakal Muhurtham (pujas to put up the pandal) was performed at the samadhi on Wednesday. After the pujas, Mr.Moopanar told presspersons that festival will start on January 27, Sunday. Actual aradhana, when musicians will sing the pancharathna kritis of the saint in chorus, will be held on January 31, Pushya Bagula Panchami day when the saint attained samadhi. Musicians will sing in chorus between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on January 31. Music concerts will be held from January 28 to 30 throughout the day.
On aradhana day, Mahabishekam will be performed to the idol of Thyagaraja at the samadhi. Unchavruthi bhajan will be taken out from the residence of the saint on Thirumanjana Veedhi to the samadhi. Procession of the idol of Sri Thyagaraja will be taken out with Pancharathna Mallari music on January 31, evening.
Hundreds of musicians have enrolled their names to pay homage to the saint during this aradhana festival, Mr. Moopanar said.
