Indian musical symphony in Jaffna

Jaffna had a musical symphony earlier this month. Carnatic vocalists T.M. Krishna and P. Unnikrishnan, along with Bharatnatyam dancer Alarmel Valli enthralled Jaffna with their performances and workshops for three days. These artistes from Chennai participated in the three-day event called 'Divine Ecstasy', organised by T.M. Krishna.

"In a way it is re-inforcing a cultural depth they already had. You are not introducing anything new. I think culture is a lovely way of having a conversation with people. And it also reinforces their own strengths and history," Krishna said.

Carnatic Musician P. Unnikrishnan said, "For many years they have also been deprived of cultural activities, so I think Svanubhava is doing a fantastic job in reviving those moments, which used to be there."

The festival had the support of the Indian High Commission in Colombo and Jaffna and the Indo-Sri Lanka Foundation.

A team from Chennai visited Jaffna over the last two months to co-ordinate the event. With more than 2,000 people attending the dance performance of Alarmel Valli and another 5,000 strong crowd for Unnikrishnan's concert, the festival was a success.

Dancer Alarmel Valli said, "It is so important for the younger generation to have access to the arts.

To a means of communication that is not aggressive, violent or negative, but something that can make them whole again and heal and harmonise."Music is known to act as a balm.

The three-day festival too, managed to provide some solace to the people of Jaffna, giving them a chance to interact and learn from the Indian artistes.

- IBN