Bharathi Thirumagan, during her Villupattu performance ‘Bhumiye Sami’ at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Chennai recently, explained how the string of the bow represents the connection between God and the earth. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

As part of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s ‘Vazhiya Vaiyagam’ series, a Villupattu rendition titled ‘Bhoomiye Sami’ (The Earth is God) was presented by Bharathi Thirumagan, daughter of Villupattu exponent Subbu Arumugam. Bharati explained that the tip of the Villu points upwards towards the abode of the Lord, and the other downwards, with the string of the bow bridging the gap between the two. Thus, Villu shows us the relationship between God and earth.

Bharathi’s son Kalaimagan, a trained classical musician, presented his grandfather’s song – ‘Ram Kavyam, Janaki Mayyam’. It praised various manifestations of Shakti – such as Vishalachi, Kamachi and Meenachi – and concluded that ultimately it was Vaylachi (agriculture) that brought prosperity to the world.

Bharti raised the question – Who is the permanent hero on earth? Answer? Farmer. He warned against the indiscriminate cutting of trees and described how the demon Tataka, who would be killed by Rama, felled the trees.

Villupattu exponent Subbu Arumugam | Photo courtesy: R. Shivaji Rao

Subbu Arumugam wrote a song ‘Vayale Vaazgave’ in Nattai raga, using the mettu of the first, third and ninth charanam of Tyagaraja’s ‘Jagadanandakara’. He presented the song in the 145th Tyagaraja Aradhana. He later used the verses in Villupattu rendition for Doordarshan’s rural program ‘Vayalum Vaazvum’.

When asked about the relevance of ‘Jagadanandakara’ to a rural programme, Arumugan candidly replied that Thiruvaiyaru, where the krithi was sung every year during Tyagaraja Aradhana, was surrounded by rice fields! Kalaimagan presented the song for ‘Bhumiye Sami’ and D. Pratima danced to it.

Bharathi Thirumagan said that literature, music and drama have always been a part of Villupattu. He recently presented ‘Bhoomiye Sami’ (Villupattu) at the ‘Vazahiya Vaiyagam’ festival of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M

This is the first time dance was used in a Villupattu performance. Bharathi explained that Villupattu was about Iyaal (literature), Isai (music) and Natakam (drama). All these years, the only dramatic elements in Villupattu were the emotional words of the presenter, and, at best, a few hand gestures. This time dance was included because the theme was meaning. “Can’t the Earth’s rotation and evolution be seen as a dance?” Bharti asked.

Harini danced on the song ‘Yereduthu Vayaloram’ praising farmers. For ‘Kadavulloda Kaiyee Irundu’, a song about planting trees, A. Two other dancers also joined Sai Dikshini. Bharathi’s presentation was full of humour, while Kalaimagan’s singing made the program meaningful and joyful.

Chennai: 23/10/2024: For Friday Page: Bharathi Thirumagan and team presenting ‘Bhoomiye Sami’ (Villupattu) at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai. , Photo Courtesy: Srinath M