Artists honoured at inaugural of music festival in Nanganallur

Carnatic vocalist Nithyasree Mahadevan and violinist T. V. Ramanujacharlu were on Sunday presented the Valayapatti Naadhalaya Sironmani Awards at the inauguration of the 31st edition of the Valayapatti Kaashyam Naadhalaya Festival at Sri Ganesh Mandali, Nanganallur. 

Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam, who presented the awards, said that it was amazing that residents of Chennai had so much love for Carnatic music. They have made December a very special time when they will attend concerts even if a small shamiana is erected in a street corner. 

Director, Department of Art and Culture, S. Valarmathi appreciated organisations like Valayapatti Kaashyam Naadhalaya for conducting music, dance, and drama programmes and encouraging deserving artistes with awards. She said that Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will inaugurate the Chennai Sangamam on January 14, 2026 at the Rajarathinam stadium in Egmore. Around 2,500 artistes will participate in the event that will be spread across 20 locations. 

Valayapatti AR. Subramanian said that just like how deities were reasons for making places famous, musicians too made their hometowns famous. He appreciated the State government for honouring artistes with various awards. 

Valayyapatti S. Malarvannan said that the events would be held till December 25. On the last day, the organisation would present the Valayapatti Kaashyap Child Artist award and scholarships. 

Earlier, the Karukurichi Memorial Award was presented to clarionet vidwans Vellore V.P.N. Rajaraman and Vellore V.P.N. Sethuraman; Madurai Somu Memorial Award to Namasankeerthanam exponent Shengottai Hariharasubramanian and Valayapatti Award to mridangam vidwan Patri Sathishkumar.