Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Mumbai Hosts Two-Day Tribute to Nadaswaram Legend Rajarathinam Pillai
A group of young musicians is celebrating the life of a famous Nadaswaram player named T N Rajarathinam Pillai.
The celebration is taking place in Mumbai over two days.
The Nadaswaram is a traditional wind instrument used in South Indian music and temple ceremonies.
On Saturday, 50 young musicians played together at Shanmukhananda Hall.
On Sunday, 56 musicians will play at a temple and then walk in a musical procession.
They will travel toward Shanmukhananda Hall while continuing to play.
The musicians will later receive fellowships named after Rajarathinam Pillai.
The event is also meant to help keep the Nadaswaram tradition alive for future generations.
Fifty-six young Nadaswaram artistes are honouring T N Rajarathinam Pillai during his 128th birth anniversary celebrations in Mumbai.
The two-day programme began Saturday evening with an ensemble concert at Shanmukhananda Hall in King’s Circle.
Fifty fellowship artistes performed under the leadership of Shanmukha Rathna Vyasarpadi Kothandaraman.
On Sunday, 56 artistes will perform at a temple before leading a Nadaswaram procession to Shanmukhananda Hall.
The artistes will receive the Shanmukhananda Nadaswara Chakravarthy T N Rajarathinam Pillai Fellowship at a 10am ceremony.
- Who
- Fifty-six young Nadaswaram artistes, organisers, and supporters are participating; T N Rajarathinam Pillai is the musician being honoured.
- What
- A two-day musical tribute, including concerts, a procession, and the presentation of fellowships.
- When
- The programme began Saturday evening and concludes Sunday morning, during celebrations of Rajarathinam Pillai’s 128th birth anniversary.
- Where
- The events are taking place at Shanmukhananda Hall in King’s Circle, Gokul Hall near Kikabhai Hospital, and a temple in central Mumbai.
- Why
- To commemorate Rajarathinam Pillai’s legacy and encourage a new generation of Nadaswaram performers.
- Honouree
- T N Rajarathinam Pillai, born in 1898 and died in 1956
- Participants
- 56 young Nadaswaram artistes
- Opening event
- Saturday evening concert at Shanmukhananda Hall, King’s Circle
- Sunday procession
- Begins after a one-hour temple performance and is expected to set out around 7:30am
- Felicitation
- Scheduled for 10am at Shanmukhananda Hall
- Fellowship
- Shanmukhananda Nadaswara Chakravarthy T N Rajarathinam Pillai Fellowship
- Chief guest
- S Ramesh, Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments