With the blessings of Jagadguru Pujyasri Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal
The pavai songs are part of an ancient tradition amongst unmarried young Hindu girls, where they light lamps in the early mornings of Margazhi, and sing songs in praise of Shiva. Manickavasagar composed the twenty songs called Thiruvembavai followed by ten songs called Thirupalliezhuchi. Similarly, Andal thaayaar composed thirty paasurams on Sri Krishna called Thiruppavai. Let us show our love for bhagawan by reciting and singing Thiruvembavai and Thiruppavai.
How to participate : (1) Pick any 4 Thiruppavais or Thiruvembavai pasurams from the assigned syllabus(click here)
Click here to access the audio files for Thiruvembavai and Thiruppavai. NOTE: you can recite/sing in any tune, these sample audios are just suggestions.
(2) Decide whether you will recite or sing them
(3) Follow these instructions to record and submit your video
(4) Submit your video using the Margazhi Utsavam Round 1 Submission Form below between Oct 15th and Oct 24th.
Eligible Categories: PreK, Elementary, Middle School, High School & College, for ages 21 and under
Dressing up in traditional attire is mandatory for the submission to be eligible – paavadai/daavani/veshti, hair tied in single braid/ponytail and, tilakam for boys and girls
Competition Rounds: Round 1/Prelims and Round 2/Finals
Round 1: Participants may choose any four paasurams or paavais from the above syllabus for video submission
Round 2/Finals: Judges will quiz qualifying finalists on any of the assigned paasurams and pavais listed in the syllabus above.
Thiruppavai and Thiruvembavai Texts in Tamizh and English
Timelines
| Round 1 Video Submissions | Oct 15th to Oct 24th |
| Round 1 Results Communicated | Nov 1st to Nov 3rd |
| Round 2 – Qualified finalists from Round 1 will present to judges live virtually | Nov 15th |
| Winners announced at a samashthi samarpanam virtual program in December | Date TBD |
What Should Participants Focus On? Encourage kids to enjoy the learning and exploration of our puranas while they prepare. Judges will grade based on accuracy of Tamizh pronunciation, traditional attire, reciting/singing and proficiency. Bonus points will be awarded for choice of paasurams and paavais other than #1 and #3.
Questions? Email hsmkanchiusa@gmail.com