Water in various forms – in oceans, rivers, lakes, temple tanks and life-giving rain – has been the subject of numerous musical compositions in our rich aural classical tradition. Poets and composers across the ages have celebrated this precious resource and captured its significance from religious, philosophical and utilitarian points of view in their great works and compositions.

What profound message using the imagery of a lake did Saint Purandaradasa convey in a ‘Geetam’, one of the first compositions a child learns? When we water a Tulasi plant, does it signify anything beyond the obvious? What are the beautiful scenes visualised by Saint Tyagaraja on the banks of the Yamuna and the Cauvery? How did the great composer Sri Muddusvami Dikshithar bring relief to a drought-stricken place?

This Carnatic music concert titled ‘Celebrating Water Through Music’ will provide answers to all these questions and more. It will feature several compositions which, through their lyrics and melody, draw our attention to water and its paramount importance in our lives. The context and connection of each song to water, be it a water body or the venerated form of the Divine itself, will be presented with explanations enhanced with beautiful visuals.