Tracing Avudai Akkal’s journey

A recent event focused on the woman saint’s philosophical songs and simple lyrics

In Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelvelli district, the tradition of singing Avudai Akkal’s songs during the oonjal ceremony in weddings (when the bride and groom sit on a swing) continues. Among the most commonly sung composition is, ‘Sadguru swami mel oonjal pada, Saraswatiyum Ganapatiyum, aadidu oonjal.’ The tune, with a folk flavour, is catchy and adds to the celebratory mood.

Held at Rasika Ranjani Sabha, Vishaka as always peppered her insightful narrative with inspiring songs from Akkal’s repertoire, rendering them with bhava in ragas such as Nata, Ahiri and Kalyani.