The Thiruppavai is a collection of Tamil Hindu hymns attributed to the female poet-saint Andal.

Comprising 30 stanzas, or pasurams, the Thiruppavai holds a special significance during the month of Margazhi, as Andal calls upon everyone to chant the name and glories of Lord Vishnu. Andal, also known as Kothai, Nachiyar, and Godadevi, was the only female Alvar among the twelve Hindu poet-saints of South India.

Andal is celebrated for her unwavering love and devotion to the Lord and is considered an incarnation of Sri Bhumi Devi, the Divine Consort of Narayana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Her compilation of devotional poems, the Thiruppavai, continues to be recited by devotees during Margazhi.

In the Thiruppavai concert, I present each of the 30 verses in a different ragam, performed in the Carnatic style. With accompanying English commentary, the concert provides historical context for the Thiruppavai, offers brief explanations of each verse, and explores the relevance of this literature in the 21st century. By presenting these verses in an engaging Carnatic style and providing insights that make the ancient hymns accessible, the concert helps youth and non-Tamil audiences connect with and appreciate the meaning of the Thiruppavai in modern life.