On Jan 21, 2006, the first Thyagaraja Aradhana festival was conducted by Soundarya Lahari, in coordination with Chinmaya Maruti Center in Andover, MA.

About 400 people from across the NE region participated in the Aradhana, that was lead my Smt.Geetha Murali of Norwood, MA and Smt.Valli Bhamidipati of Tweksbury MA. They were ably supported on Violin by Miss Rasika Murali and Sri Surya Sundararajan and on Mridangam by Sri Mahalingam Santhanakrishnan and Sri Pravin Seetharam and on Tabla by Sri Rajesh Pai .

Also several other vocalists from different parts of Massachusetts have participated in rendering the music ensemble for more than 2 hours. It was a great scene to watch little kids also render the kritis along with the exponents duly following the laya and Sruthi

The Aradhana started with a UnchaVritti Sampradaya (practice), where in the traditional India, great Sadhus and Saints like Thyagaraja, would go across the streets daily singing Bhajans and receiving Bhiksha (offerings), from a few blessed souls, who were fortunate to offer Bhiksha. The Sadhus collect just enough Bhiksha for the day, while blessing those offering and prostrating in front - signifying the giving up of the ego.

On the Aradhana day, it was indeed a great sight to watch Sri. Santhanakrishnan turn himself into Saint Thyagaraja in those wonderful 45 minutes, singing UnchaVritti Sampradaya Kirtanas around the Chinamaya Temple, while receiving offerings from all children and devotees.

As if Saint Thyagaraja himself was directing the weather Gods, the temperature on a Jan 21st morning in Boston suburbs was above 50F, allowing all the devotees to walk barefooted around the temple, without even sweaters!  

At the end of the renditions of the Pancha Ratna Kritis there was also a special puja to Saint Thyagaraja, followed by distribution of prasadam.  

All this wouldn't have been possible without the whole-hearted support by all the leading and upcoming musical artists and devotees in the NE region. The practice tapes provided (and uploaded to www.srimeru.org website) by the famed Geethanjali Musical group, that is well-known for the rendition of the Pancha Ratna Kritis of Saint Thyagaraja, was a great tool supporting the preparations for the Aradhana.

Soundarya Lahari announced that this function will become an annual 3 day festival with competitions for musically talented children in the NE region, along with concerts by leading artists from India.

Soundarya Lahari an organization, lead by the ever inspiring Sri. Subba Rao is dedicated to empowering individuals to the understanding of the "Self". Lalitha Kala Lahari, the cultural wing of the organization lead by Sri Vijayarangam Subramanyam is dedicated to spreading the wonderful arts and music tradition of ancient India, to demystify the art of living, and use art also to lead a "true living".

You can become a member of Soundarya Lahari by simply logging on to www.srimeru.org and registering your details.For more information contact Smt.Usha Kompella at srichakra9@srimeru.org 

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