Chennai: A musical prayer for rains, Mega Raga Varshini, was held in Chennai from 9 am to 9 pm on Tuesday. Nearly 150 musicians, including veterans, eminent musicians and upcoming artistes, performed at the special event organised by Global Carnatic Musicians Association (GCMA) at Sringeri Sharada Peetam in T Nagar. With all artistes rendering a composition each, it was feast of music for the audience.
Talking to DC, GCMA president musician Sudha Ragunathan said Mega Raga Varshini was their first major project. It was their musical offering to nature and prayers to Varuna Bhagwan to shower His mercy on people. “When we floated the idea of hosting this music festival for rains, there was an overwhelming response. It was very satisfying and fulfilling to find the music fraternity united. We hope our prayers will appease the Lord and there will be rains in the city,” Sudha added.
GCMA general secretary mridangist Thanjavur K. Murugaboopathi said they had formed the association a few months ago. “Tuesday’s event was a well-organised team effort and every artiste got a chance to perform,” he said.
When asked more about the association, Sudha Ragunathan said, “We had been thinking of bringing all musicians on one platform for a long time. Global Carnatic Musicians Association materialized and fulfilled our wish. It involves a wide gamut of carnatic musicians from all over the world. Veterans, senior vidwans and aspiring musicians are getting enrolled as members. We have plans to work on constructive projects like pension for older generation artistes and financial support for needy families. As musicians we face several challenges and we need to represent ourselves as one voice and GCMA will helps us do it. Glad that
I am the first president of the association and I hope to work towardsconstructive solutions as a team and usher in a sense of unity among musicians.”
Violinist Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi said the event reminded her of musicians performing at Tiruvaiyaru during Tyagaraja aradana. “Arrangements were properly done and I could sense a vibrant and positive energy flowing there. Accompanying artistes including senior mridangists and kanjira players were ready to perform with all artistes. Such was the bonhomie there. Audience simply loved the show,” she said.
