Chembai Sangeetholsavam

Chembai Sangeetholsavam is an annual Carnatic music festival held in Guruvayur by the Guruvayur Devaswom (similar to the Thyagaraja Aradhana at Thiruvaiyaru) in memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, a Carnatic classical musician[1][2] and a devotee of Guruvayurappan.

Chembai Sangeetholsavam
Dates12 - 15 days
Location(s)Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Years active1910 - Present
FoundersChembai

History

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Chembai had conducted the festival in the temple town on his own for about 60 years.[3][4] He used to invite anyone interested in Carnatic music, from small children to renowned musicians of his time, to perform at the festival. The Guruvayur Devaswom over the festival after his death in 1974, renaming it Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory.

The Festival

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Chembai sangeetholsavam 2019

About 3000 musicians participate every year and it lasts about two weeks culminating on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day, when all the musicians sing five favorite songs of Chembai and also the Pancharatna Kritis of Thyagaraja.[5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Anima, P. (3 May 2013). "Tunes to higher notes". The Hindu.
  2. ^ "The Hindu : Kerala / Thrissur News : Chembai festival to be held for 20 days". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  3. ^ "The Hindu : Friday Review Thiruvananthapuram / Events : Paying homage to Chembai". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Kerala kids gear up for local music reality show". ibnlive.in.com. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  5. ^ "The Hindu : Entertainment Thiruvananthapuram / Music : A maestro's music". www.hindu.com. Archived from the original on 3 September 2006. Retrieved 17 January 2022.