November 26, 2010

Velava...Vadi Velava...~ Murugan 'rocks' ~ By Bangalore A.R. Ramani Ammal

"Sooran Por" was held on 11th of November 2010 at Naattukkottai Nagaraththaar Sri Kathirvelaayuthaswamy temple (New Kathiresan temple) in Bambalapitty amidst the record breaking raingfall after 18 years in the city of Colombo. Devotees in large numbers gathered to celebrate the victory of evil spirit. [ http://kanthashashti.tumblr.com/ ]

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November 20, 2010

Anuradha Sriram: 'Arriving on haystack glittering like a diamond'

Anuradha Sriram beautifully sings ~ Birth of Christ & Baby Jesus ~ Poet Vairamuthu lyrics, and also talks about “Have Attachment & Detachment at the same time” How not to cry when emotionally attached ~ A principle in Gita and on skill for stage performance – “Everything you do is a skill…once you perfect the skill you can transcend, and that becomes magical…”

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November 07, 2010

Kannamma: I feel blissful thinking of your love

Kaatru Veliyidal Kannamma ~ Poem by Subramanya Bharathi ~ featured in movie Kappallotiya Tamizhan - Released in 1961 starring Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savithri, Muthulakshmi, Asokan, Sarangapani, S.V. Ranga Rao & S.V. Subbiah.

Kaatru Veliyidal Kannamma - Kappallotiya Tamizhan - Gemini Ganesan & Savithri

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October 17, 2010

Video: Skanda Sashti: Nov 6, 2010 - Nov 11, 2010 ~ Relevance of the Six faces, grant benevolently

Skanda Sashti, the fasting and festive time in praise of enchanting Lord Muruga, begins on November 6 with six-day fasting and ends on November 11 with Soorasamharam. Thirukalyanam is on November 12.

Skanda Shasti celebrates the victory of Lord Skanda over demon Surapathman.

Devotees around world observe fasting for six days. Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, other parts of South India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore. South Africa as well as in diasporic countries in the West mark Skanda Sashti with festivities.

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October 10, 2010

K.J. Yesudas: Graceful melodious tenderness at Saraswati Pooja

by K.T. Kumaran

Vellai Thamarai Poovil - By Subramaniya Bharathiyar, Rendered by K.J. Yesudas, Pictures by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"She'll be on white lotus flower, she'll be in the sound of veena"

Today October 16th, is the 9th day of Navaratri.

Mahakavi Subramaniya Bharathiyar's composition in praise of Goddess Saraswathy is recited during Navarathri, especially at cultural festvities on the 9th day, marking the final day of Saraswathy Pooja. In Sri Lanka, Saraswathy Pooja is celebrated in divine worship and aesthetically to the Goddess at schools, homes and work places.

The graceful Bharatahiyar song in praise of Goddess Saraswathy is rendered in melodious tenderness, that is unique to the one with the radiant husky voice, K.J. Yesudas:

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Navarathri 1964: Cultural feast during the days of Navarathri

by K.T. Kumaran

The Holy 'Nine Night' Festival celebrating the Goddesses of Bravery, Wealth and Wisdom fall this year, in 2010 - from Oct 8th for 9 days, followed by Vijayathasami on the 10th day. The 10th day is celebrated particularly to start learning – education and the arts.

Navarthri is celebrated at homes, schools and work places and cultural events are a hallmark of the festival.

What is a gala without traditional savoury delights? Navarathri is time for delightful sweets and spiced goodies of every kind. Moist rice flakes mixed with jaggery, chick pea medley with coconut chunks and stir fried mustard seeds and dried chillies are traditional favourites at Navarathri functions.

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October 09, 2010

A Melodious Deepavali – Song from 1959

Music beats blissful honey, becomes a raft across sea of misery

by K. T. Kumaran

Kalyana Parisu is director C.V.Sridhar's debut film starring Gemini Ganeshan, Saroja Devi and Vijayakumari.

The film has several melodious songs, among them:

“Unnai Kanndu naan aada
Ennai kandu nee aada
Ullasam pongum inba Deepavali”

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