Chembai Music Festival

The Chembai music festival is an 11-day event that is held annually in Thiruvanathapuram, the capital of Kerala state in September. The festival is held in memory of Chembai Vaidyanath Bhagawathar. Organised by Sri Chembai Memorial trust this week long festival attracts more than 2000 Carnatic musicians. A group concert mark the end of the festival on the night of Ekadasi. This includes five of Chembai's most favourite songs 'Vadapiganapatim' (Hamsadhwani), 'Rakshmamsaranagatam'(Natta)',Paavanaguru pavanapuradeeswara'(Hamsanandi)', Mamava sadaajanani' (Kanada) and' Karuna Cheivan entu thamasam Krishna' (Yadukula kamboji). The highlight of the festival is group singing of saint Thyagaraja’s 'Pancharatna Krithis' on Dasami day by several leading artists.