One of the first performances in Bangalore....

Photograph taken ~30 years ago during the initial stage performances by thiruppugazh ladies in Bangalore. [Click on the photo to enlarge it]

Golden Jubilee Celebrations invitation

The growth of the Thiruppugazh mission

Soon after its conception in the early 1970’s, the Thiruppugazh Anbargal mission spread all over India. Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore were the three main regional centers while its headquarters was located in Delhi. Guruji Raghavan acted as the first President. Every 3 years, elections were held to choose the people to direct the various programs associated with the mission.

The first Thiruppugazh classes in Bangalore began 1974 at Vyalikkaval under Sri Govindarajan and Sri Chidambaram. Later, classes were initiated in Guttahalli. These classes were soon successful enough to allow the students to attend the sixth centenary celebrations of saint Arunagirinathar. The highlight was the rendering of Thiruppugazh by Guruji Raghavan and some of his students in All India Radio – Delhi’s, National Programme. Similar celebrations were held in Mumbai and Chennai as well.

Three years later, in 1977, Sri R.Venkatraman started Thiruppugazh classes in Malleswaram, which became very popular. Soon afterwards, celebrations were organized for Padi vizha during the first Sunday in January of every year, in Bangalore and Delhi as well. Anbargal in Mumbai also celebrated padi vizha on the 26th of January.

Other celebrations included Arunagiri anjali (organized in August 15^th or October 2^nd) at all the regional hubs. Vaikasi Visakham and Skanda shashti are other main functions celebrated by Thiruppugazh Anbargal. During Skanda shashti celebrations, Isai vazhi padu is performed for 6 days.

The mission slowly spread to other countries with significant south Indian immigrant populations including the USA, CANADA, UK, and Singapore. Classes were directed by Thiruppugazh Anbargal who had learned the songs in India. One notable person in this cause was Smt Tara Krishna, in Canada, who was among the first batch of students that learnt from Guruji Raghavan himself.

Guruji Raghavan has successfully taught 501 Thirupugazh songs in the last 50 years since the beginning of the Thiruppugazh mission. In consideration of this great accomplishment, Thiruppugazh Anbargal are commemorating the Golden Jubilee with a celebration on a grand scale. The Golden Jubilee celebrations are to be held in Bangalore in mid-July, 2008. The details of this program will soon follow.