CHENNAI, October 17: The 22nd Margazhi Mahotsav of Bharat Kalachar will begin on December 12, 2008. The Mahotsav will be held in association with Bank of India. The inaugural function will be held at Sri YGP Auditorium, Thirumalai Road, T. Nagar.

The Union Minister for Finance, Mr. P. Chidambaram, will preside over the inaugural function. Mr. T. S. Narayanaswami, Chairman and Managing Director, Bank of India, will be the guest of honour.

The Sabha will celebrate Swagatham Margazhi Sangeetha Vizha from November 29 to December 9 at the above venue. The music festival will feature young and upcoming artistes in prime evening slots. Senior mridangam artiste Shri Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman will inaugurate the fest. The list of this year's awardees include:

R.K. Srikantan: Gnana Kala Bharathi (for service to Carnatic music)

K.J. Yesudas: Viswa Kala Bharathi (service to Carnatic music abroad)

Manorama: Natya Kaladhar (theatre & cinema)

Parassala B. Ponnammal: Acharya Kala Bharathi (for service to music, as guru)

Mudhra Baskar: Kala Seva Bharathi (service to fine arts)

‘Crazy’ Mohan: Nadaga Kala Bharathi (theatre, cinema, writing, acting)