Source: The Hindu
GURUVAYUR, KERALA, November 20, 2001: There is a heavy rush of devotees and Sabarimala pilgrims at the Sree Krishna Temple here as the 15-day long Chembai Music Festival in connection with the Ekadasi festival entered the ninth day today. The temple town is all geared up to receive the flow of pilgrims which is expected to reach its peak on Ekadasi on November 26. The Chembai Music Festival, a rare opportunity where Carnatic music lovers could listen to concerts of maestros as well as budding artistes, was extended to 15 days this year from the usual 12. The Guruvayur Devaswom which received 6,000 applications for appearing in the music festival invited only 2,800 of them. The Chairman of the Guruvayur Devaswom, Mr. M. Venugopala Kurup, said the devaswom expected over 100,000 devotees this Ekadasi season and has made all arrangements to meet the rush of devotees.