Sat Feb 15 10:08:33 UTC 2025: ## Vijayawada Hosts Ninth Annual Veena Festival
**VIJAYAWADA, Andhra Pradesh, February 15, 2025** – The resonant hum of the veena filled the air in Vijayawada on Saturday as 28 prominent veena artists from across South India converged for the ninth annual Veena Festival. Organized by the Sri Subramanya Mahati Sangeeta Samiti, the 12-hour concert showcased the rich tradition of Carnatic music.
The festival, held at a venue in Sundar Nagar, featured a full day of performances. The Samiti, founded in 2016 by Padmasri award-winning cardiothoracic surgeon Gopichand Mannam, aims to promote and nurture talent in Indian classical music. Besides the annual veena festival, the organization hosts a national-level Carnatic music competition and events commemorating the Trinity of Carnatic music. The Samiti also offers free Carnatic music education in vocal and veena.
Secretary C. V. Rao stated that the organization seeks to provide a platform for both artists and music enthusiasts. The event underscored the enduring legacy of the veena in Carnatic music and the dedication to preserving this art form.
First Piper 