“Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival”, claimed to be the “largest Indian classical music festival outside of India” and in its 38th year, will be held in Ohio (USA) from April 1-12.

It will reportedly include over 200 celebrity artistes in over 85 concerts; including Carnatic Symphony, a fusion of Western music orchestra with Carnatic music presented by about 100 talented children of various nationalities and conducted by K.N.Shashikiran.

Music and Bharathanatyam dance competitions will also form part of this Festival; which will also bestow various music and dance awards, like Sangeetha Rathnakara, Nrithya Rathnakara, Sangeetha Kala Sagaram, Nrithya Kala Sagaram, etc.; and organize educational programs, including “The Glory of Lord Venkateswara”.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commended the Festival organizers, volunteers and the Cleveland area community for piecing together such a wonderful event showcasing heritage and tradition of classical music and dance of India and Hinduism, including a musical offering to Lord Venkateswara praising his glory.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that the elements of musical theory were first found in ancient Sama-Veda. By tradition, the dance was invented by Lord Shiva who first danced the cosmic tandava. Zed urged Ohio Governor John R. Kasich to issue an official proclamation marking this unique and prestigious Festival.

The Aradhana Committee, a non-profit organization responsible for organization of this Festival, includes President R. Balasubramaniam, Co-founder/Secretary V.V. Sundaram, Co-founder/Vice-President Gomathy Balasubramaniam, Treasurers Roger and Jaya Natarajan, K. Venkataraman, etc.