Folk artists giving a concert at the inauguration of the 1040th Sathaya Vizha of Raja Raja Chola at the Big Temple in Thanjavur on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: R. VENGADESH
A live-performance-cum-procession by folk artistes, mass Bharatanatyam recital, and literary programmes were among the highlights of the Sathaya Vizha programme to commemorate the 1,040th birth anniversary of emperor Raja Raja Chola in Thanjavur that began on Friday.
The two-day government-sponsored celebrations began with the inauguration of the folk artists’ procession by Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan on Friday morning at the Thanjavur Palace.
Thanjavur MP S. Murasoli, MLA Durai Chandrasekharan, Thanjavur District Collector B. Priyanka Pankajam, and Mayor S. Ramanathan were present.
This was followed by a Bharatanatyam pushpanjali (floral offering) performance, presented by 400 artists at Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple.
In his discourse, Sri La Sri Ambalavana Desika Paramacharya Swamigal, the 24th pontiff of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, said the architecture of Big Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola should be appreciated for its grand proportions such as its sanctum sanctorum that is housed in a two-storey square chamber and the monolithic granite statue of the Nandi. These futuristic developments were among the many fostered by the reign of the Chola emperor, said the pontiff.
Highlights of the programme on the inaugural day were a panel discussion on the achievements of Raja Raja Chola, nadaswaram concerts, Thevaram recitals, and poetry recital session.
Published – October 31, 2025 06:53 pm IST
