The 179th Annual Aradhana festival of Saint Composer Thyagaraja commenced on January 3 at Thiruvaiyaru, inaugurated by Madras High Court Judge R. Suresh Kumar. The five-day event, celebrating Thyagaraja's devotional kritis, will conclude on January 7 with the rendition of pancharatna kritis. Dignitaries including Collector B. Priyanka Pankajam and G.K. Vasan participated in the inauguration. Arrangements are in place for Carnatic musicians to perform throughout the festival.