618th Annamacharya Jayanthi: 1 May 2026 - Featuring Poorneswari, Mauritius
On Friday, 1 May 2026, Prerana
Paatashaala will present a special online YouTube Premiere celebrating Annamayya
Jayanthi, honouring the timeless saint-poet whose devotional compositions
continue to shape the spiritual and musical landscape of South India. The
programme will feature acclaimed artist Poorneswari (Viswaneedevi
Sunnasee) from Mauritius, whose life and musical journey are deeply rooted in
devotion to the Telugu language and the sacred compositions of Sri Tallapaka
Annamacharya.
The Significance of Annamayya Jayanthi
Annamayya Jayanthi marks the birth anniversary of Saint
Annamacharya, the 15th-century saint-composer who dedicated his life to singing
the glory of Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala. He is regarded as one of the
earliest known composers of Carnatic music, and is often referred to as the
“Pada Kavita Pitamaha” (grandfather of devotional song composition).
His compositions, known as Sankirtanas, number in the
thousands, though only a fraction have survived. These compositions are not
just musical works but profound expressions of Bhakti (devotion), philosophy,
and human values. Written predominantly in Telugu, they made spiritual
knowledge accessible to the common people, breaking barriers of language and
social class.
Annamayya’s contribution is also significant in shaping the
structure of Carnatic music. His kritis laid the foundation for later composers
like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Shyama Shastri.
Telugu – The Language of Devotion and Music
Telugu is often described as a “sweet language” due to its
vowel-ending structure and rhythmic flow. It is no coincidence that the
majority of Carnatic compositions are in Telugu. Even composers from other
linguistic backgrounds chose Telugu for its lyrical beauty and expressive
power.
Historically, great epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata,
and Bhagavatam were translated into Telugu, further strengthening its literary
and spiritual legacy. The language is deeply intertwined with devotion, music,
and culture.
Prerana Paatashaala’s Celebration
On this auspicious occasion, Prerana Paatashaala will present
a special devotional programme as a YouTube Premiere, bringing together
learners, parents, and lovers of Telugu culture from across the globe.
The programme will be presented by Poorneswari, an educator and devoted practitioner of Telugu devotional music.
.jpeg)
She shares: “Since
my childhood, I have had a deep emotional connection with Annamayya
Keerthanams. I still remember listening to the cassette recordings of Dr.
Shobha Raju in the 1980s with immense devotion. Those moments shaped my
spiritual journey.”
About Poorneswari
Poorneswari is an educator at a State Secondary College in
Sodnac and resides in Phoenix with her two children. She has studied Telugu
from primary level up to Cambridge Certificate level, maintaining a lifelong
passion for the language.
Her musical journey began in temples, where she first
performed Annamayya Sankirtanas at the Shri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple
in La Laura, Mauritius. She later expanded her devotional performances across
various temples in Mauritius, sharing the spiritual richness of Telugu bhakti
music.
She is also trained in the compositions of Bhadrachala Ramadasu
under her guru, Shri Sanjiv Rao Manickam.
Reflecting on her journey, she says: “Every keerthana I
sing is not performance—it is surrender. I feel blessed to carry forward this
tradition even in a small way.”
Telugu Heritage and Cultural Pride
The Telugu cultural world is known for its richness in
tradition, festivals, and culinary heritage. From vibrant temple festivals to
intricate art forms, the culture reflects a deep connection between
spirituality and daily life.
The cuisine too is world-renowned, with iconic dishes such as
Avakaya (mango pickle) and Gongura representing the bold and flavorful identity
of Telugu households.
She further adds: “Telugu is not just a language for me—it
is a living tradition. Desha bhashalandu Telugu lessa. It is melodic, divine,
and deeply expressive. Singing Annamayya’s compositions feels like offering
prayer itself.”
A Living Tradition Continues
The celebration of Annamayya Jayanthi by Prerana Paatashaala
is not just a cultural programme—it is a continuation of a living tradition
that connects language, devotion, and identity. In an increasingly globalised
world, such initiatives help preserve the essence of Telugu heritage for
younger generations.
As Poorneswari beautifully summarises: “When we
sing Annamayya, we are not just remembering a saint—we are experiencing
devotion itself. His words still breathe through us.”
The upcoming YouTube Premiere on 1 May promises to be a
soulful tribute, inviting audiences to experience the timeless devotion of
Annamayya and the enduring beauty of the Telugu language.
Jai Govindha! Jai Annamayya Gurudeva!
Comments
Post a Comment