Nishagandhi Festival, the seven evenings from 20 -27 in this month that showcases the excellence and glory of Indian classical dance and music begin from January 20 at Kanakakkunnu organized by Kerala Tourism, Nishagandhi Festival, highlights a some of the countries biggest names in Dance and Music.
Nishagandhi Puraskaram award presented to Ilayaraja
This year’s Nishagandhi festival will kick started with classical sitar concert by Anoushka Shankar (daughter of Ravi Shankar), followed by performances of tabla exponent Zakir Hussain, and flautists Shashank Subramanyam and Rakesh Chourasia, dance ballet by actor Hema Malini, Kuchipudi by the mother-daughter duo of Vijayanthi Kashi and Prateeksha Kashi.
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In this Seven day event, Music maestro Ilayaraja was yesterday(20-01-2016) presented the prestigious ‘Nishagandhi Puraskaram’ by Kerala government in acknowledgment of his splendid contribution to Indian film music.
The honor includes Rs 1,50,000, a citation and a statuette. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy present the award to Ilayaraja at the inaugural function of the Nishangandhi yearly dance and music celebration organized by the State Tourism Department.
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Sharing his views on the event, Chandy said Kerala government would give five sections of land of area to Ilaiyaraja to begin a music institute. The Chief Secretary has been approached to distinguish the land for the project, he said.
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In his answer, Ilayaraja said he was exceptionally glad to get the award and that the goal of beginning the music foundation “is to deliver many Ilaiyarajas”. Nishagandhi Festival 2016 will come to an end on 27th January 2016.