Swathi Sangeethotsavam is an annual classical music festival celebrated in honour of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1813 - 1846) the great poet king of the erstwhile Travancore dynasty. This seven day festival is held annually from January 6 to 12 at the 'Kuthira Malika' palace at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India where the king himself composed many of his musical gems.

As one of the famous national music events in India, the Swathi Sangeethotsavam invites the great maestros of both Carnatic and Hindustani music to this festival which highlights Kerala's contribution to Indian Classical Music. It also aims at developing and sustaining interest in classical music in the young budding musical talents of today.

The 'Swathi Puraskar' instituted in the honour of Swathi Thirunal by the Government of Kerala is awarded to a music personality for his creative contributions at this festival every year. It constitutes a cash award of hundred thousand rupees, a citation and a memento.

This festival is organised by H.H.Sir Rama Varma Maharaja of Travancore Trust.

Contact Address:

Prince Rama Varma
Kawadiar Palace, 
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 003 
Kerala State, India.

E-mail: kuthiramalika@gmail.com

** Prince Ashwathi Thirunal Rama Varma, the royal family descendant of Swathi Thirunal, is a South Indian Classical Musician and internationally renowned Veena Artist. 

Venue: Kuthiramalika Palace, near Sree Padmanabha Swami temple, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram city. State: Kerala, Country: India.

Tickets / Prices: Free Entry (No Charges)


Directions to the Concert:

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is located at Valiyathura 6kms from the city. Many international air carriers operate daily flights to the Middle East, Male and Sri Lanka from Thiruvananthapuram. Indian Airlines has direct connections to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi. Jet Air (Gulf Air) has daily flights to Mumbai and Chennai.

By Rail: The main railway station is the Thiruvanananthapuram Central station located at Thampanoor about one and half kilometres from the Venue. There are daily trains such as Parasuram express, Malabar express and Cannanore express. There are also daily express trains to Kochi such as the Venad express, the Kerala express and the Vanchinad express.

By Road: Thampanoor is the main bus terminal in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala State Transport operates a comprehensive service from Thiruvananthapuram, throughout the state and to Tamil Nadu. The city bus terminal is situated at Fort from where most of the city service originates. State and National Highways connect Thiruvananthapuram to all major Indian cities. 

Compilation Courtesy: Aparna Chatterjee

Swathi Sangeethotsavam Jan 6 to 13, 2008

Dear lovers of great music. We soon will have another New Year: 2008 and with it as always the 7 days of great music concerts "SWATHI SANGEETHOTSAVAM" popularly known as "KUTHIRAMALIKA CONCERTS" from 6th to 12th January as always at the same venue, the Kuthiramalika, the palace built over 160 years ago by the legendary king and composer Maharaja Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma at the Fort Palace Complex, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala State in South West corner of India.

As always the same timings too at 6pm every day. BUT in 2008 there is a small change which is expected to be a great bonus for the lovers of great music. In addition to the seven days there will be a special additional concert in 2008 on the 13th January - another of these special concerts is expected only in January 2014. This is to celebrate the Murajapam at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple - a once in six years glorious event - culminating with the Lakshadeepam on 14th January 2008.

REMEMBER the concerts are free to lovers of music. Please try to attend and bring other friends and/or pass on this information to others who would be interested.

List of Main Artists performing in Kuthiramalika Concert 2008:

2008 Jan 6th 6pm Vocal Music: SRI SANJAY SUBRAHMANYAN

Jan 7th 6pm Vocal Music: PRINCE RAMA VARMA

Jan 8th 6pm Vocal Music: MS. MANASI PRASAD

Jan 9th 6pm Vocal Music: SMT. PARASSALA PONNAMMAL

Jan 10th 6pm Vocal Music: MASTER BALAMURALIKRISHNA

Jan 11th 6pm Hindustani Vocal Music: PROF VENKATESH KUMAR

Jan 12th 6pm Violin duet: Lalgudi G.J.R.Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi

Jan 13th 6pm Special concert: Dr.Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna

Concert Reviews:

Please read the review of the 2003 series on Carnatica.net

Please read: A Royal gift of Music (Kuthiramalika Concerts)

Please read the review of the 2002 series in The Music Magazine

Posted by: Prince Rama Varma (India)