Pre - Birthday Celbrations: SAHASRAKANTA ANTYAKSHARI: AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE

May 25, 2008

SAHASRAKANTA ANTYAKSHARI: AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE

A Sahasrakanta Antyakshari programme was held on Thursday last at Sri

Ganapati Sachchidananda Ashram. More than 1300 representatives from

about 30 Mahila Mandalis lent their voice.

Seer Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji himself initiated the programme

by participating in group-singing with junior pontiff Sri Datta

Vijayananda Theertha providing mridanga support. After group-singing of

four compositions, Antyakshari commenced wherein 20 compositions were

rendered like cascade.

The programme concluded again with group-singing of four compositions.

In all, 28 compositions of Swamiji in Sanskrit, Kannada, Hindi, Telugu

and Tamil were presented.

Nada Mantapa reverberated with the singing of divine glories for nearly

two-and-a-half hours. Some of the compositions like Aland Aland Vaa

(Tamil), Manada Mandira, Theevanda-nam, Suryadeva Pahi (Sanskrit), Ninna

Padake Bhagi, Kesari Nandana, Thande Thayi Panduranga (Kannada), Guru Ek

Deep Hai (Hindi) were presented with good synchronisation and

mellifluously.

The Swamiji provided divine touch with his music to some compositions.

Some rare and new ragas like Saindhavi, Sallapa, Suryakantha,

Maduvarshini, Sarasangi and Revagupti added novelty to the programme.

The participants must be grateful to the Swamiji for having provided

them an opportunity to participate in a Mega Music Festival. The Swamiji

also encouraged almost all local artistes by co-opting them as

accompanists. There was a virtual feast of colours, as more than 1200

female participants had come in their finest drapes and jewelleries,

creating a festive ambience. One must admire their perseverance and

patience.

A lot of planning, hard work for several months and dedication have

contributed for the success of this unique event. Swamiji eulogised the

services of Dr. Padma Murthy and T.S. Murthy in implementing his novel

concept. Those who missed the programme are the real losers of the

divine bliss. For me, I was nostalgic of my visit to Thyagaraja Music

Festival held at Thiruvaiyar.

— K.R. Mohan

Recommended Posts