Chennai: Carnatic music fraternity will celebrate World Yoga and Music Day on Tuesday (June 21) with a variety of special events at multiple venues spread across the city.
Organized by Samudhaaya Foundation (founded by Carnatic musician Padma Bhushan awardee Sudha Ragunathan) and Carnatica Archival Centre of vocalist K.N. Shashikiran, the day-long celebrations will witness several musicians bringing together innovative concepts in Carnatic music and Naada yoga.
Vocalist K.N. Shashikiran says, “While music is described as Naada yoga, yoga is essential for musicians.
“Pranayama helps regulate one’s breathing and thus helps vocalists and wind instrumentalists. Combining music and yoga will ensure the well-being of the body, mind and soul.”
Also, the vocalist adds, there will be first-ever Carnatic jam by women artistes led by musician Sudha Ragunathan at Mylapore Fine Arts Club. It will be divided into sessions like swara jam, raga, viruttam jam and laya jam.
There will also be music and meditation sessions, wherein the audience can learn to meditate using music as medium. Eminent musician Sudha Ragunathan says, “On World Music Day, we would like to have the music community coming together for a social cause and also for the cause of their fellow musicians. It will also serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.”
The celebrations will be flagged off by Dr R. Nataraj, MLA, Mylapore constituency, along with Sudha Ragunathan and K.N. Shashikiran near Gandhi statue, Marina Beach, at 6 am.
Yoga sessions will be conducted by yoga expert Venkataraman along with musicians and rasikas. This will be followed by choir and bhajans led by Dr Sudha Raja.
Celebrations will be held in places like Nageswara Rao Park, Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Senior Secondary School, KK Nagar, Dr MGR Janaki College of Arts & Science, Vishranthi Old Age home, Palavakkam, and Ethiraj College for Women. The finale of the event will be held at Mylapore Fine Arts Club when endowment awards will be given to differently-abled musicians.
Shashikariran adds, “Another special feature of this year’s festivities will be providing special lunch to residents of Vishranthi old age home and musicians performing there.” The 6 am to 9 pm events are open to all musicians, rasikas and public.
