The ‘aradhana’ of saint composer Sri Tyagaraja was observed with fervour at his samadhi on the northern bank of the Cauvery at Thiruvaiyaru on Friday where musicians and music aficionados rendered the ‘pancharatna kirthanas’ of the legend in unison.
The main event, singing of ‘pancharatna kirthanas’ by Carnatic musicians on the ‘Pushya Bahula Panchami’ day, was preceded by rendering of Tyagaraja kirthanas by nagaswara vidwans accompanied by thavil artists followed by a rendering of the kirthanas by flute artists. An ‘aarathi’ was performed at the samadhi after the singing and playing of pancharatna kirthanas — jagadananda karaka, dudukugala nanne dora, sadhinchene o manasa, kana kana ruchira and endaro mahanubhavu – on Friday morning.
Thousands of Carnatic music lovers participated in the annual festival which commenced on January 21. Installation of the saint composer’s granite image at the samadhi and a procession carrying Sri Tyagaraja’s image on the main thoroughfares of Thiruvaiyaru formed part of the ceremonies.
