Thureeyam Sangeetolsavam brings in music rains

Kannur: The rainy months of June and July usually shower music on the people of North Malabar and this year is no exception. The 13th edition of the internationally-famed 'Thureeyam Sangeetolsavam' began at Payyannur in Kannur on Tuesday, where a large number of music connoisseurs thronged to witness concerts by eminent musicians from across the country.

Stretching over a period of 41 days from June 7 till July 17, it has become one of the biggest and prestigious stages for musicians in India and also probably the longest musical festival in the country. The list of musicians who have performed at this venue over the years would enthrall any music enthusiast and this year, apart from 41 main artistes, nearly 200 other artistes are performing at the Thureeyam venue at Ayodhya Auditorium at Payyannur.

'Thureeyam Sangeetolsavam' is being conducted under the auspices of the Ananda Bhavanam, Peringome led by Swami Krishnananda Bharathi, a familiar name in the classical music circle.

"The fest has grown into such a level that the musicians have considered the stage as a prestigious venue to perform their art and there is no place whatsoever for the material benefits from the concert. It has become a habit among noted musicians to be here during the fest when invited, if dates are available," said Swami Krishnananda Bharathi.

Hariprasad Chourasia, Ramesh Narayanan, T. N. Krishnan, Kudamaloor Janardanan, T. M. Krishnan, Sanjay Subramanyam, Malladi trio are some of the well known artistes who have performed during the past years. Saxophone maestro Kadri Gopalnath holds the record for attending all Thureeyam fests.