Wed Jan 07 06:36:55 UTC 2026: ### Carnatic Musicians Celebrate 179th Aradhana of Saint Thyagaraja in Thiruvaiyaru

The Story:
On January 7, 2026, Carnatic musicians gathered at the Thyagarajaswamy Athishtanam in Thiruvaiyaru, near Thanjavur, to perform the annual mass rendering of the pancharatna kritis composed by Saint Thyagaraja. The event marked the 179th Aradhana Celebrations of Sadhguru Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal, organized by Sri Thiyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha. Leading vocalists and instrumentalists participated, playing instruments like the mirthangam, flute, ghatam, and ganjira. Vedic pandits also performed a special anointment of granite and panchaloka idols during the recitation.

The Aradhana festival, which commenced on January 3, 2026, concluded with the recitation and the Aanjaneya Uthsavam. This year’s celebration included a performance by Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman, who turned 90. Attendees also enjoyed harikatha and upanyasam events that followed the rendering of the kritis.

Key Points:

  • The 179th Aradhana Celebrations of Sadhguru Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal took place on January 7, 2026.
  • The event featured a mass rendering of the pancharatna kritis composed by Saint Thyagaraja.
  • Leading Carnatic musicians performed with various instruments.
  • Vedic pandits performed a special anointment of idols.
  • Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram Sivaraman participated in the Aradhana.
  • The festival started on January 3, 2026, and concluded with the Aanjaneya Uthsavam.

Key Takeaways:

  • The annual Aradhana festival continues to be a significant cultural event, celebrating the legacy of Saint Thyagaraja.
  • The participation of veteran musicians like Umayalpuram Sivaraman highlights the festival’s importance to the Carnatic music community.
  • The inclusion of vedic rituals alongside the musical performances showcases the blend of spiritual and artistic traditions.

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