The Thyagaraja aradhana, is a solemn tribute of all Carnatic artistes to one of the greatest composers ever - saint Thyagaraja - at his samadhi on the banks of the river Cauvery in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district.

And this year marked the 157th edition of the aradhana. Sri Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha hosts the festival. Violinists Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan and thavil artiste Haridwaramangalam A. K. Palanivel are the secretaries of the sabha.

For six days, from early morning to midnight, a string of artistes, the famous, the up and coming, arts students and even tinytots, spend about ten minutes on a stage close to the saint's samadhi, and sing his compositions. This is indeed a marathon event of performances. A homage.

Log on here for backgrounders on the aradhana. http://www.kutcheribuzz.com/thyagaraja/ http://www.kutcheribuzz.com/news/20020208/thiruvaiyaru.asp