Date:04/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/04/stories/2008040451550300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Annamayya Vardhanti observed

Special Correspondent

Group rendition of kritis held on 505th death anniversary of saint-composer

TIRUMALA: Solemnity marked the 505th death anniversary (Vardhanti) of the saint-composer Tallapaka Annamacharya on the sprawling Narayanagiri gardens at Tirumala on Thursday. The highlight of the programme was the group rendition of the core kritis of Annamacharya by top artistes, including those belonging to the TTD’s Annamacharya Project.

An air of devotion pervaded the lush green gardens as the huge contingent of artistes rendered in chorus some of the saint poet’s compositions in the holy presence of Lord Venkateswara along with His two Consorts.

Traditional honours

The 45th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt also graced the occasion. The idol of Tallapaka Annamacharya was also brought in procession to the venue and traditional honours extended in the presence of the descendants of the ‘Tallapaka’ family.

In his address the Jeeyar of Ahibila Mutt, Sri Narayana Yathindra Maha Desikan complimented the TTD for vigorously propagating the Annamacharya kritis all over the world. TTD Trust Board Chairman B. Karunakar Reddy said that the TTD’s endeavour is to make Tallapaka village the Tiruvayyaru of Andhra Pradesh vis a vis the celebration of Annamachaya Jayanti on the same scale as ‘Thyagaraja Aradhana Festival’ celebrated every year at Tiruvayyaru near Tanjavur.

Reddy also referred in this context the TTD’s efforts to popularise Annamayya kritis even in Christian and Islamic countries and cited the recent fetes conducted in UK and in the Gulf countries in collaboration with the ethnic NRI groups.