Thiruvananthapuram: Nishagandhi Monsoon Ragas organised by Kerala Tourism marked the state’s successful entry into music tourism, said Governor P. Sathasivam.
Noting that the festival would be able to attract more tourists to Kerala, the Governor said harmony of ragas would enrich our minds with lights of optimism. He also suggested conduct of music festivals on similar lines in other cities of Kerala as well.
“Our unity in diversity helped us make a strong comeback from the devastating floods and other natural disasters. Tourism has proved its unique character in the adverse situations”, said Sathasivam.
Tourism minister Kad-akampally Surendran who presided over the function, elaborated on the tourism projects being planned across Kerala. “The Travancore Heritage Project is about to kick start this year. The Vellar Craft Village will be dedicated to the public soon. The Chala Heritage Street project, which costs around `10 crore, will spruce up the city. Raja Kesavadasan statue will be erected at Aryasala junction in the city”, said Kadakampally.
The festival commenced on nature-friendly note with Bamboo Symphony by Unnikrishna Pakkanar followed by a concert by Chitravina N. Ravikiran. The venue will reverberate in the following days with performances of leading singers like Ghazal Maestro Jaswinder Singh.
The artists to feature in the coming days include violinist Krishnaa Ajith and the Carnatic Vocalist Vidushi S. Sowmya on July 22; Carnatic Vocalist Anantha Sai A. S. and Grammy Award Winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt (Mohana veena) and Samrat Pandit Salil Bhatt (Satwik Veena) in a duet on July 23. Contemporary flute fusion by Rajesh Cherthala and a classical fusion band performance by “Shiva-The Musical Thunder”, lead by Usthad Rafiq Khan (Sitar) on July 24 will mark the end of this year’s Nishagandhi Monsoon Ragaas music festival.
