Shades of bhakti come alive

Sarvepalli Sreya, one of the contestants, performing a vocal concert at Kalabharathi Auditorium in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Music is a form of prayer that transcends barriers of religion and strings people together like a garland. Although the degree of devotion varies, the drive to offer the garland of bhakti to God remains constant for most music aficionados.

It was the same urge that brought 116 contestants from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, East Godavari and other parts of the State to Kalabharathi Auditorium to showcase their talent in classical music, instrumental music and dance, at the three-day final selection process of ‘Kala Neerajanam’ that began here on Monday.

Organised jointly by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishad, Sri Venkateswara Music and Dance College and Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel, the programme aims at providing a platform to the local talents and give them an opportunity to perform at different programmes of the TTD, including the popular daily event - Nada Neerajanam.

No grading

The system of having no grading system in selection process came as a whiff of fresh air to the participants. “Earlier, only a section of artistes were eligible to take part in ‘Kala Neerajanam’. Now, with the forum being open to all, it helps us realise our long-cherished dream to perform at the ‘Nada Neerajanam’ programme,” says Sarvepalli Sreya, a 15-year-old contestant from Nellore.

Music quenches the inner soul, says K.S. Mahathi, a violinist and a house surgeon of Andhra Medical College. “Music makes one discover the purpose of life and the highest contribution that an artiste can offer to the world of music is to perform on the Tirumala,” she says.

Amala Chebolu, an upcoming playback singer, believes that music is a medium that makes one associate with God. She says that being part of Srivari Seva helps in strengthening her spiritual values.

For some, being part of ‘Nada Neerajanam’ is a way to honour their music Guru. “Learning music is one part and getting a chance to perform for SVBC channel is another achievement. This way, I can honour my music teacher M. Jalajakshi who made my life blissful,” says T. Manikya Lakshmi, a Vizag-based vocalist.