The 23rd Pongal music festival, conducted by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Coimbatore Kendra, featured a series of concerts by eminent musicians. This song portrays Kaikeyi as an affectionate aunt, who was genuinely happy that Rama was going to be made king. Another rare kriti, ‘Emi Dova Palkuma’ by Tyagaraja in Saranga was presented with a lovely raga alapana. ‘Sogasuga Mridanga Taalamu’ (Tyagaraja), ‘Rama Daya Joodavae’ (Bhadrachala Ramadas) and ‘Smarane Ondhae Saaladhae’(Purandaradasa) were sung with involvement. Mysore V. Srikanth’s virtuosity came to the fore as an accompanist as well as a talented solo player.

Source: The Hindu February 12, 2018 07:09 UTC