Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the much-anticipated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam on December 10 at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, Vijayawada. The event, attended by dignitaries including R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Buggana Rajendranath, Minister for Finance, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, promises to be a celebration of Telugu culture and classical traditions.
Union Minister Sitharaman emphasized the rich legacy of Telugu culture and the significant contributions of the Telugu language to classical traditions. Reflecting on her personal connection with Telugu, she expressed her admiration for the beauty of the language, citing the influence of Tyagaraja and Shyama Sastri Kritis. Sitharaman proposed that Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam should become an annual event, spreading its cultural impact to other prominent towns like Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam.
Minister R K Roja expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for bringing this grand music festival to Vijayawada. She stressed the importance of music and encouraged the youth to delve into classical music, underlining Andhra Pradesh and Telugu language's significant role in promoting Carnatic music.
The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, highlighted the event's purpose in commemorating the contributions of Telugu language to classical music. She emphasized the festival's goal of establishing a cultural identity for the region by showcasing local traditions and promoting local artisans, crafts, and cuisine.
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam, spanning three days, will feature classical music performances by renowned musicians, along with an exhibition and sale of regional cuisine, local handicrafts, and handlooms.
The first day of the festival witnessed soul-stirring performances, including Nagaswaram melodies by Gonuguntala Brothers, Veda Parayanam by Dendukuri Sadasiva Ghanapati and Dendukuri Kasi Vishwanatha Sharma, and a Taal Vaadya Kacheri by Umayalpuram K Sivaraman. The afternoon session included insightful lecture demonstrations and a captivating Harikatha performance.
The evening session featured prominent musicians like Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, Panthula Rama, and Rama Krishna Murthy, concluding with an ensemble of Veena, Venuvu, and Violin led by Peri Tyagaraju and other artists.
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam event highlights a significant initiative dedicated to rebuilding and restoring ancient musical instruments of antiquity.
