From Jagadananda Karaka to Endaro Mahanubhavulu

On Sunday, Hyderabad Tyagaraja Aaradhana Music Festival has transformed Shilparamam into a musical rendition with devotion and melody  drawing thousands to celebrate the 179th Aradhana of Saint Tyagaraja Swamy. Organized by the Sanskriti Foundation for the past 11 years, this year's edition stood out as a grand tribute to Carnatic music's enduring legacy, blending reverence, artistry, and community spirit across a week-long series of events.

When enthusiastic Vidwans, students of music, the rasikas in large numbers attended to pay their musical respects to Saint Cmposer Tyagaraja, it was with lot of dedication, commitment and wither pure hearts rendered the Tyagaraja Swamy’s five Pancharatna Keerthana from Jagadananda Karaka to Endaro Mahanumbhvulu. Towards the end of this session in the morning Mridangam Wizard and Padmasree awardee Ella Venkateswara Rao gave befitting end to the session with his magic fingers playing on Mridangam. And the participants and audience present there joyfully joined his rhythm with their applause which was in perfect sink with the Mridangam’s rhythm.

The festival's crowning moment arrived with the Pancharatna Seva, a majestic group rendition of Tyagaraja's five gem-like kritis. Around 1,500 participants—approximately 600 vocalists and more than 700 instrumentalists—united in harmonious song at the Sampradaya Vedika in Shilparamam. Their voices and instruments filled the air with divine resonance, creating an atmosphere of profound spirituality that left the audience spellbound. This massive collective performance, a hallmark of Tyagaraja Aradhana traditions worldwide, brought together seasoned scholars, emerging talents, and music enthusiasts from Telugu states and beyond.

The week's festivities had built steadily toward this climax. Over seven days at venues including the CCRT campus in Madhapur, diverse programs showcased solo and ensemble performances of Tyagaraja's timeless compositions. Renowned artists and young prodigies shared the stage, ensuring the saint-composer's intricate ragas, poetic lyrics, and spiritual depth reached new generations.

A poignant segment honored living legends who have safeguarded Carnatic traditions. Under the “Guru Sanmanam” initiative, the Sanskriti Foundation presented shawls, the Guru Samman, and prestigious Sanskriti Awards to distinguished figures. Recipients included Sangeeta Vidyanidhi Sri Komanduri Seshadri (non-percussion), Mridangam and Ghatam masters Sri Nemani Somayajulu, and vocalist Sunada Sudhanidhi Srimati Manda Sudharani. Additional honorees featured Carnatic vocalists such as Srimathi Rama Ravi, violin vidwan Sri K Sadguru Charan, veena expert Sri N Parthasarathy, musicologist Dr. K Ramakrishna, flute vidwan Sri G Shankar Rao, Vedic scholar Sri N Sarma, literary and folk arts proponent Sri A Deshapati, and the collective Anahad, dedicated to rare folk and classical forms.

Speakers lauded these maestros for their lifelong dedication to preserving dharma, literature, and musical heritage. Their contributions keep ancient art forms alive and relevant in modern times.

The event also featured innovative fusions that delighted attendees. Padma Shri Ella Venkateswara Rao, “Kalaratna” Sri Raghavachari, and other dignitaries graced the occasion with inspiring addresses. A standout attraction was the “Vocal and Painting Confluence,” where renowned artist Kuchi created live paintings synchronized to musical performances. This unique interplay of sound and visual art captivated the crowd, illustrating how Tyagaraja's melodies inspire creativity across disciplines.

Mahidhara Seetharama Sharma, representing the Sanskriti Foundation, emphasized the festival's deeper purpose. “Such gatherings serve as vital bridges, transmitting Indian culture and Sanatana Dharma to future generations,” he said. He extended thanks to media partners, volunteers, and participants for their unwavering support in making the event a success.

The Pancharatna Seva concluded in the morning, followed by spectacular evening concerts at CCRT that wrapped up the celebrations on a high note. 

As a volunteer-driven, non-profit endeavor, the Hyderabad Tyagaraja Aaradhana Music Festival continues to thrive through passion and community involvement. It not only pays homage to one of Carnatic music's greatest composers but also reinforces Hyderabad's role as a thriving cultural hub.

In an era of rapid change, events like this remind us of the living pulse of heritage—a sacred blend of tradition, art, and wisdom. Through collective singing, heartfelt honors, and creative expressions, the festival ensures Tyagaraja's genius remains vibrant, resonant, and accessible to all who seek its spiritual solace.

The evening began with a wonderful Violin duet by Gurukulam students Kumari Aditi Vasudevan and Kumari Indusri Shravya The duo were accompanied on the mridangam by Shri Achyutanand. This violin concert greatly impressed the audience. Gurukulam students Aditi and Indu played the compositions 'Upacharamu Chesevarunnaru', 'Nidhi Chala Sukhamā', and 'Telisi Rama Chintanato' on the violin with brilliance.

The second program, a vocal concert by Kumari Kommajosyula Alekhya, was also magnificent. Vidwan Shanmukha Srivatsa provided violin accompaniment, Vidwan Shri B. Sriramamoorthy on the mridangam, and Vidwan Kaundinya on the ghatam.

The third program, a veena concert by Vidushi Srimati Emani Lalitha Krishna, captivated the audience throughout. Vidwan Karthikeya provided mridangam accompaniment, and Vidwan Kaundinya on the ghatam.

The final program was a vocal concert by today's honoree, Vidushi Srimati Manda Sudharani. Vidushi Srimati B. Durga Bhavani provided violin accompaniment, Vidwan Shri Sadguru Charan on the mridangam, and Vidwan Shri Marturu Haribabu on the ghatam. This program also captivated the audience from beginning to end.

The Samskruti Foundation honored the artists who participated in the performances. The Samskruti Foundation was highly praised for successfully organizing the seven-day Tyagaraja Aradhana festival. 

The program concluded with the Anjaneya festival and the Tyagaraja Swamy Mangalam.