India Mint Stamp

Lokith Philately

Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Kerala

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Date of issue: 06.07.2004

Pin code: 678572

Status: Active

PO Name: Kottayi

Description: Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar or Vaidyanatha Iyer born on Janmashtami day in Kottayi near Palakkad (1896 - 1974) was an Indian Carnatic music singer from Kerala. He is popularly known as Chembai or Bhagavathar. He was known for his powerful voice and brilliant singing style. His first public performance was in 1904 when he was nine years old. Honoured with many titles and honours, he was known for his ability to encourage emerging musicians and spot new talent. He was responsible for popularising compositions like Raksham Sharanagatham and Pavan Guru. Honoured with many titles and honours, he was known for his ability to encourage emerging musicians and spot new talent. 

Music critic Aeolus described him as "the most important musician for Carnatic music in the first fifty years of the 20th century". He also mentored many young accompanists, including his prominent disciples. Since he died in 1974, memorial concerts are held every year in his honour, popularly known as Chembai Sangeethotsavam. He was awarded several awards including Gnana Gandharva in 1940, Sangeet Kalanidhi in Carnatic music in 1951, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1958, Sangeet Kala Sikhammani in 1964, Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1972 and Padma Bhushan in 1973. In his honour, the Indian Postal Department released a special stamp in his birth centenary year (1996) and subsequently, a PPC was also released in his memory in the year 2005.