Bharatanatyam - Kavadi Chindu

Kavadi chindu is a generic name for a variety of Tamil folk songs. They are light compositions in Tamil which are popular for their simplicity, emotional content and appeal.

The songs have stanzas but no pallavi, anupallavi and charana divisions and mostly are in praise of Lord Subramanya and are steeped in bhakti. The Kavadi Chindu relies heavily on folk music. In music concerts Kavadichindu finds a place at the tail end among the 'tukkadas'. The 'mudugu' or the quick rhythmic tempo is a distinctive aspect of 'kavadi chindu'.

This album features some very rare melodies apart from the popular ones. The Kavadichindu on Shiva is one such. A composition of Subramanya Bharati and two others of Oothukkadu Venkatakavi are the other highlights of this album.

1. Kamam Agatriya -This is a rare composition by Ramalinga Adigalar on Lord Shiva. The poet describes the various attributes of Lord Shiva pays homage to the Lord in the form of a "jyothi" or a huge flame of fire.

2. Nindranda Mayil – This is a composition of Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaier. This beautiful song describes the impact of Krishna's music on the birds, animals and gopis of Vrindavan.

3. Villinai Otha - Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati, undoubtedly one of the most celebrated poets of Tamizh,wrote poems on varied subjects. This song is in praise of Lord Muruga and describes his marriage to Valli.

4.Azhagu Deivam -The Kavadi Chindu as a genre of music, was popularized by Annamalai Reddiar, a great composer from Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. This composition is in praise of Lord Muruga of Kazhukumalai near Tirunelveli.

5. Kannan Varugindra – Oothukkadu Venkata Subbaier's 'Kannan Varugindra Neram' is rich in poetic excellence and charming melody. This song beautifully elucidates the excitement and anticipation of all the creatures of Vrindavan awaiting Krishna's arrival.

6. Solladi Swamimalai - ThiruKutrala Kuravanji was composed by Melagaram Thirikooda Rasappa Kavirayar in praise of Lord Shiva and his consort during the 17th century. This song is an excerpt from this composition where the kurati or gypsy girl plays the role of a sooth sayer.

Vocal: K.Hariprasad, Nattuvangam: N.Srikanth, Mridangam: G.Vijayaragavan

Violin: R.Kalayarasan, Flute: B.Muthukumar

Dancers: N.Srikanth , Aswathy Srikanth, Nikhil Raveendran, Sruti.B, Aparna Ashokan