Pushya Bahula Panchami happens to be the most sacred day to musicians to pay rich tribute to the most revered and popular Saint composer Sri Tyagaraja. Music to him was a way to experience God. His keerthanas, which are an expression of his deep devotion to his favourite Lord Sri Rama, stand testimony for this. Hundreds and thousands of his compositions, including the famed Pancharathna Keertanas echo from Thiruvaiyaru to every nook and corner of the country during his Aradhana. This commemorative music festival goes on through February.
Tyagaraja was influenced by Purandaradasa, the Pitamaha of Karnatak Sangeetha at a very young age. Incidentally, Purandaradasa’s death ceremony too falls on Mouni amavasya, close to that of Sri Tyagaraja’s. Hence, both are combined and celebrated. Almost all the music Sabhas celebrate this aradhana with fervour and devotion. Music concerts, Goshti Gayana and honouring senior musicians, musical plays are some of the features of this aradhana mahotsava. Ganabharathi emphasises on bringing out unheard padas of different Haridasas and celebrates two days of Haridasotsava every year apart from the Goshti Gayana of Pancharathna Kruthis.
