Dance and drum beats

A set of carefully chosen songs and ragas from among Rajan’s compilations were performed. Padmaja began with a shloka. This was followed by a invocatory dance in praise of Lord Ganapathi in raga Tilaang set to Adi Thala. Next was a melodious Keertanam, Anandamrithakarshini in praise of the universal goddess in raga Amritavarshini set to Adi Thala.

There was also a performance by the students of Kalpataru Kalavihar. They began with Thodayam and Ganesh Koutvam in Raga – Hamsadhvani and Thala – Ekathala . Then was Shiva stuti in Raga – Kalyani and Thala – Maaligai .

The next number was Nava Narayani, a special compilation of Chakyar Rajan adapted from the Devi Narayaniyam in Raga – Maaligai and Thala – Maligai. The evening also saw performances by Aikya, an all boy band.  

The accompanists comprised vocalist Bharati Venugopal, Padmaja Suresh and her disciple Chandana Kasargod Brijesh on the natvangam, Hari on the mridangam, T N Ramesh on the Ghatam, Narsimhmurthy on the flute and Satvik Venkatesh on the keyboard.