Kerala Tourism launches 'Nishagandhi Monsoon Ragas' music fest

Thiruvananthapuram: 'Monsoon Ragas,' a music festival, being organised by Kerala Tourism, marks the states successful entry into music tourism, Governor P Sathasivam said Saturday.

The festival would attract more tourists to the state, the governor said while inaugurating the second edition of the five-day music extravaganza here.

He suggested conduct of such festivals in other cities of the state as well.

Lauding the pivotal role of tourism, Sathasivam said, Our unity in diversity helped us make a strong comeback from the devastating floods and other natural disasters. Tourism has proved its unique character in adverse situations."

Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran, elaborated on the tourism projects being planned across the state.

The Travancore Heritage Project is about to kickstart this year. The Vellar Craft Village will be dedicated to the public soon," he said.

The Chala Heritage Street project, which costs around Rs 10 crore, will spruce up the city. Raja Kesavadasan statue will be erected at Aryasala junction in the city," the Minister said.

The festival promises a rare treat of classical and ethnic musical traditions of the subcontinent, featuring both vocalists and instrumentalists of various streams.

The festival commenced on a nature-friendly note with Bamboo Symphony by Unnikrishna Pakkanar followed by a concert by Chitravina N Ravikiran. The venue would reverberate in the following days with performances of leading singers like ghazal maestro Jaswinder Singh.