Chembai Sangeetholsavam: Difference between revisions

'''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]], one of the titans of Carnatic classical music <ref>http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/tunes-to-higher-notes/article4680327.ece</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071221203400/http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/01/stories/2007070154950400.htm ]</ref> and an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayurappan.

Chembai had conducted the festival in the temple town on his own for about 60 years.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130629110409/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/09/04/stories/2009090451440300.htm ]</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20130629120453/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kerala-kids-gear-up-for-local-music-reality-show/52292-8.html ]</ref> He used to invite anyone interested in Carnatic music, from small children to renowned musicians of his time, to perform at the festival. In course of time, the scale of the festival rivaled the Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Aradhana, which is recognized as one of the most important festivals of homage paid to Saint Thyagaraja. The [[Guruvayur Devaswom]] decided to take ownership of this festival after Chembai's death in 1974, renaming it as Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory.

About 3000 musicians participate in this festival every year and it is held for about 12–15 days culminating on the [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]] day, when all the musicians sing five favorite songs of Chembai and also the [[Pancharatna Kritis]] of Thyagaraja.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060903011341/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/09/02/stories/2005090201460200.htm ]</ref>