Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051201550200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Dance festival

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dance and music festival organised in connection with the 193rd birthday celebrations of Swati Tirunal will be held here from May 12 to 23.

Sree Ramakrishna Ashram president Swami Lokahitanandaji will inaugurate the festival at Kartika Tirunal Theatre on May 12. The festival is being organised by the Sri Swati Tirunal Sangita Sabha.

According to Sabha secretary K.N.Srekumar, the inaugural function will be followed by a Carnatic concert by K.N. Ranganatha Sharma.

Head of the erstwhile royal family of Travancore Uthradam Tirunal Marthanda Varma will present the Gayaka Rathnam title for outstanding contributions to Carnatic music to Bombay Sisters on May 23.

Carnatic concerts, lectures and instrumental music sessions have been planned as part of the celebrations, Mr. Sreekumar said.