Publications
A potpourri of bells, tunes and
glistening performances
- Spectacular celebrations of
Annamacharya’s sixth birth Centenary in Great Britain
The European Telugu Association(ETA) has conducted the 600th
birth anniversary of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya on 28th
October in the UK with the co-operation of Tirumala Tirupathi
Devasthanam (TTD-India) and in association with Department of Culture,
Government of Andhra Pradesh. The venue was Stourbridge Town Hall in
West Midlands.
Kalyanotsavam
It was an immense tribute to the saint composer and first of its kind,
bringing together galaxy of connoisseurs, aces and aficionados in music
and dance who captivated the audience with their artistic talents.
Cultural program including series of Harikathas, Songs and traditional
dances based on Annamacharya Sankeethanas was a feast for ears and eyes.
Students of Natya Guru and Sangeet Natak Academy awardee Dr Uma Rama
Rao- who is distinguished in having composed and choreographed more than
150 Annamacharya keerthanas, Padma Sri Dr Smt Shobha Naidu, Mrs Usha
Gayatri and stalwarts like Dr Dwaram Lakshmi, Dr Medasani Mohan and Dr
Shobha Raju enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing performances.
On 27th October, all the artistes have been received and
given honors at Sri Venkateswara(Balaji) Temple of UK in the presence of
its Chairman Dr V.P Narayana Rao, Trustee Dr K.S Rajah and other
committee members. Among the dignitaries present was Consul General of
India, Shri N.P Sharma.
Felicitation of artists at the Balaji
Temple
On 28th October, Srinivasa Kalyanam was conducted with
religious fervour by the archakas of Balaji temple in the morning. The
celebrations were inaugurated by Chairman of TTD Sri B. Karunakar Reddy
while Executive Officer Sri K.V Ramanachary (IAS) unveiled the portrait
of Annamacharya.
Welcome address by Dr. Rajashekar
Reddy
Various Keerthanas were melodiously sung by Sri
Gurajada Madhusudhan, Dr Uma Devi, Seshulata and Ramaprabha. Unique
attraction of the day was the item rendered by whistle artiste Sri Siva
Prasad accompanied by Srinivas on Tabla.
Gandhamu poosey Veley
Padma Sri Dr Smt Shobha Naidu began the dance medley wonderfully with a
Stuti to Annamacharya sung by alluring Dr Shobha Raju. This was followed
shortly by the series Alamelu Manga Maangalya Leela which started with
Ragasudha Vinjamuri’s splendid dance presentation Gandhamu Poose veley
in Kana
In this composition, Annamacharya, in his sublime devotion towards the
Goddess, narrates how unequalled her graceful eyes are (even lotuses
have less significant beauty), how unparalleled her radiance is (even
the luminous gold is less bright) and how unsurpassed her fragrance is
(even the scented sandal-wood is less aromatic). Describing the beauty
of the Goddess magnificently, Sudha engaged the audience with this item
quite well.
Rendering of solo dances on finest Annamacharya compositions continued
with Inni Raasula yuniki by Vanaja, Kaladinti Maata by Madhavimala,
Aadaro Paadaro by Malavika- all disciples of Guru Dr Uma Rama Rao.
Guru-Shishyas: Ragasudha, Vanaja,
Madhavi, Malavika with Dr. Uma Rama Rao
Padma Sri Dr Shobha Naidu gave a stellar performance on Cheri Yashoda ku
and Oka pari oka pari which left the audience spell-bound.
Guru Mrs Usha Gayatri’s presentation Alarulu kuriyaga was delightful.
Mangaambudi dedicated to Lord Hanuman was presented by Jaya Lakshmi.
Performers & Dignitaries on stage
The climax saw all the dancers joining Padma Sri Dr Shobha Naidu’s
Karpoora Nirajanam to Lord Venkateswara to the majestic Adigo Alladigo
keertana in Hindola Raga, sung by Dr Shobha Raju, a truly elevating
experience to all.
The Chairman of Venkateswara(Balaji) Temple of UK, Dr V.P Narayana Rao
was felicitated on the occasion by the Chairman of European Telugu
Association Dr Rajasekhar Reddy, followed by the felicitation to all the
participants.
Chairman of Balaji Temple UK Dr Narayana Rao felicitated by Chairman of
TTD Sri Karunakar Reddy
(With inputs from ETA, Balaji Temple, Dept of Culture & Audiences)
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