Chembai music festival

As part of the Ekadasi day, a 11-day Chembai music festival is held annually in Thiruvanathapuram (Trivandrum), capital of Kerala state in September in memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagawathar. Organised by Sri Chembai Memorial trust, this week long festival attracts more than 2000 Carnatic musicians.

A group concert marks the end of the festival on the night of Ekadasi. This includes five of Chembai's most favourite songs 'Vathapiganapahtim' (Hamsadhwani), 'Rakshamamsaranagatham'(Natta)',Paavanaguru pavanapuradeesham'(Hamsanandi)', Mamava sadaajanani' (Kanada) and' Karuna Cheivan enthu thamasam, Krishna!' (Yadukula kamboji). The highlight of the festival is the group singing of saint Thyagaraja’s 'Pancharathna Krithis' on Dasami day by several leading artists.