Panchayat/ Municipality/ Corporation Corporation

LOCATION District Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Town/ Sree – 10 m Landmark/ Junction

Nearest Bus Station Bus Stand – 300 m

Nearest Railway Trivandrum Central Railway Station – 1 Km Station ACCESSIBILITY

Nearest Airport Trivandrum International Airport – 5.2 Km

Rama Varma Maharaja of Trust Palace Kowdiar Gardens Kowdiar – 695003 CONTACT Phone: +91-471-2434744 DATES FREQUENCY DURATION

TIME January (to be advised) Annual 10 Days

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL (Legend/History/Myth)

The Swathi Sangeethotsavam is a commemorative festival of Indian Classical music conducted annually in honor of Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Travancore, a famous classical musician and composer who ruled the state of Travancore from 1813-1846. The festival is held in January at Palace (adjacent to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple), Thiruvananthapuram and is organized by Prince Rama Varma, descendent of the music maestro. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma has over 400 compositions to his credit in both Carnatic as well as Hindustani music. So the festival witnesses enthralling performances in both the musical styles. Entry to the concert is free.

National Over 50,000 RELEVANCE- NO. OF PEOPLE (Local / National / International) PARTICIPATED EVENTS/PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION (How festival is celebrated)

Carnatic and Hindustani The musical tribute is a 10-day celebration of the Classical Renditions of compositions of Maharajah Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma of Swathi Thirunal Travancore at the majestic Kuthiramalika Palace built by Compositions. Instrumental Music the Maharajah himself, over 160 years ago. Eminent Renditions musicians like, Ustad Bismilla Khan Gangu Bai Hangal, Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna, D.K.Pattammal etc have performed in the festival. The event is organized by the Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore Trust under the helm of Prince Rama Varma.