2026 Spring Cultural Festival

Name: 2026 Spring Cultural Festival
Start: 2026-03-15T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-03-15T18:00:00-05:00
Location: 12030 Independence Parkway, Frisco, TX

Schedule

Sun Mar 15 2026 at 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

12030 Independence Parkway, Frisco, TX | Frisco, TX

The Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple welcomes you to the Spring Cultural Festival, an annual temple cultural event. Come and support and celebrate the talents of our community's young and senior musicians. The festival will conclude with a unique grand finale featuring all the performers. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Detailed Schedule
9:00 AM: Introduction
9:10 - 9:55 AM: Vocal Performance – Chi. Kirtan Warrier Disciple of Vid. Smt. Santhi Mahadevan Accompanied by: Kum. Jahnavi Swaminathan – Violin Chi. Advaith Kamath – Mridangam
10:05 - 10:50 AM: Flute Performance – Kum. Sindhu Gudimella Disciple of Vid. Sri A. V. Krishna Prasad Accompanied by:Chi. Shankar Umamahesh – Violin Chi. Advaith Kamath – Mridangam
11:00 - 12:00 PM: Hindustani Vocal Performance – Guru Smt. Arundati Sheolikar Date Accompanied by: Guru Dr. Vivek Virani – Pakhawaj Chi. Kuvalaya Datta Tummala – Harmonium
12:00 - 12:30 PM: Lunch
12:35 - 1:20 PM: Vocal Performance – Kum. Sahana Kumar Disciple of Vid. Smt. Prithi Narasimhan Accompanied by: Chi. Karthik Subramanian – Violin Chi. Harish Venkatraman – Mridangam
1:30 - 2:15PM: Vocal Performance – Chi. Nitin Datta Disciple of Vid. Malladi Ravikumar Accompanied by: Sri. Tharun Ravikumar – Violin Chi. Chidatma Datta Chaganti – Mridangam
2:25 - 3:10PM: Violin Performance – Sri. Tharun Ravikumar Disciple of Vid. T. S. Krishna Murthy Accompanied by: Guru. Sri. Raju Balan – Mridangam Chi. Govind Rangappa – Kanjira
3:20 - 4:05PM : Vocal Performance – Chi. Karthik Subramanian Disciple of Vid. Ramakrishnamurthy Accompanied by: Guru Sri. Umamahesh Iyer – Violin Chi. Chidatma Datta Chaganti – Mridangam
4:15 - 5:15 PM : Veena Performance – Guru Smt. Uma Prabhala Accompanied by: Guru Sri. Raju Balan – Mridangam
5:30 - 6:00 PM: Grand Finale – All Performers
6:00 - 6:15 PM: Felicitations
About the Artists
Guru Smt. Arundhati Sheolikar Date
Mrs. Arundhati Sheolikar Date is an accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist specializing in the Dhrupad tradition and a B-High Grade artist of All India Radio (AIR), Pune. Born into a distinguished musical family, her artistic foundation was shaped early under the guidance of her father, Shri S. R. (Sudhakar) Sheolikar, a renowned sitarist, and inspired by her grandfather, Shri Rambhau Sheolikar, an esteemed violinist. Her musical upbringing was further enriched by her siblings—Shri Avaneendra Sheolikar, an AIR “A” Grade sitarist with international performances across the United States, Europe, and Asia, and Smt. Anupreeta Joshi, an accomplished Kathak dancer—creating an environment deeply rooted in Indian classical arts.
Following advanced training in Dhrupad under Acharya Bimalendu Mukherjee, Mrs. Date was awarded the National Scholarship by the Government of India in 1997, after which she underwent rigorous training in the Guru–Shishya Parampara under the legendary Late Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, absorbing the aesthetics and discipline of the Dagar bani. She has had the rare distinction of accompanying Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar at several prestigious national platforms, including Kumbha Samman (Udaipur), Har Vallabh Mahotsav (Jalandhar), Gangesh View (Varanasi), and numerous SPIC MACAY concerts across India.
Her performance career spans major festivals and cultural venues such as the Khajuraho Music Festival, Priyadarshini Academy (Mumbai), Dhrupad Mela, Subah-e-Banaras, and the Indian Classical Music Circle (ICMC), DFW, with recent appearances in 2023 and 2025. Internationally, she has performed across India, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States, with notable recordings and presentations including Raag Bhoopali (South Africa), Raag Malkauns, tributes to Ramakant Gundecha Ji and Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, and several collaborative performances with Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar himself.
Currently based in the United States, Mrs. Date serves as a Senior Professor and Assistant Curriculum Coordinator (Hindustani Classical Music) at Shankar Mahadevan Academy. In November 2022, she founded Sureesha Music School, dedicated to preserving and propagating the Dhrupad tradition through authentic pedagogy while mentoring the next generation of classical musicians.
Guru Smt. Uma Prabhala
Smt. Uma Prabhala, is a prominent Carnatic musician and teacher in the Dallas metroplex area.
Uma got trained on both Carnatic vocal and veena under eminent gurus Sri Manchala Jagannadha Rao , Sri Neti Sri Rama Sarma, and Sri D Srinivas.
Uma is an All India Radio graded artist and has several album recordings and live performances to her credit.
Uma also provides Veena accompaniment for classical dance productions and background scores.
Uma is the Founder and Director of Amritavarshini Academy where she teaches vocal and veena to both the young and young at heart.
Sri. Tharun Ravikumar
Tharun Ravikumar is a dedicated and upcoming Carnatic violinist who has been learning for over 20 years under Vid. T. S. Krishnamurthy. He has performed alongside his guru and accompanied several artists in Bengaluru, Chennai, and at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), including performances at prestigious sabhas such as The Music Academy and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, to name a few.
He has won several prestigious competitions, including those conducted by Rasika Ranjana Sabha, Trichy and The Bangalore Gayana Samaj, and he is a recipient of the CCRT scholarship from Delhi, representing the state of Karnataka.
Tharun has performed on All India Radio and Doordarshan, with several of these performances broadcast live. Also, he has accompanied and continues to accompany upcoming Carnatic artists, including disciples of maestros such as Vid. T. M. Krishna, Vidushi T. S. Satyavati, and Vid. T. N. Seshagopalan.
In addition, he composed music for a Kuchipudi dance production on Srinivasa Kalyanam, directed by Vid. Hemamalini Chavali. He collaborates regularly with senior gurus in Dallas for Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi performances. In addition to music, Tharun is a software professional working at JP Morgan.
Kum. Sindhu Gudimella
Sindhu Gudimella is a versatile Carnatic Vocalist, Violinist, Flutist, and Bassoon player who seamlessly bridges Indian and Western classical traditions.
She is currently under the guidance of Vid. A. V. Krishna Prasad for flute and bassoon, Vid. K. J. Dileep for violin, and Vid. Nanditha Padmanabhan for vocal music.
Beyond Music, Sindhu serves as Co-President of GEMHS, where she leads and mentors youth in arts, music, culture, service, and leadership.
Kum. Sahana Kumar
Sahana Kumar is a young senior disciple of Gana Kala Acharya Vid. Smt. Prithi Narasimhan. She started her journey in Carnatic music at the tender age of 5 under Smt. Prithi’s tutelage. She started performing full concerts 5 years ago and has performed in various organizations like INDUS fine arts conservatory, Carnatica Global and other local venues. She has also participated in and won accolades in several prestigious music competitions including Malaysia International Music Festival, Carnatic star Minneapolis, the Papanasam Sivan festival etc. She has been a lead vocalist in several archival initiatives undertaken by Prithi and in the Carnatic Symphony program in the prestigious Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana. She continues to receive advanced training under Smt.Prithi in improvisation, RTPs and repertoire building. Sahana is also a vocal instructor in Carnatica gurukul and teaches students up to intermediate level, with Prithi’s guidance. In addition, she volunteers for Prithi’s Vidhyaadhaanam project by participating in the teaching sessions to simulate the student portion in the video lessons. She is also proficient in Western vocal and western violin.
Chi. Karthik Subramanian
Karthik Subramanian is a high schooler from Dallas, Texas. He has been learning both Carnatic vocal and violin for over a decade, starting his musical path at the age of 4. Karthik receives advanced training from esteemed gurus Vidwan Sri. Ramakrishnan Murthy for Vocal and Vidushi Smt. Charumathi Raghuraman for Violin. He has won several prizes from prestigious organizations such as the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana, Sivan Fine Arts Academy, CMANA, and many more. He also actively gives concerts in the US and abroad, notably during the Chennai December season at various esteemed sabhas like Mylapore Fine Arts, Brahma Gana Sabha, Kartik Fine Arts, Nadha Sudha, Vani Mahal, to name a few.
Chi. Nitin Datta Adarasupally
Nitin Datta Adarasupally is an aspiring Carnatic vocalist and a current junior in high school with over a decade of intensive training in classical music. Having begun his musical journey eleven years ago, he has established a strong foundation in the intricate art form. Nitin currently receives advanced training from the highly respected Dr. Malladi Ravikumar garu, a leading figure in the current generation of Carnatic music and one half of the illustrious Malladi Brothers. Nitin is an active performer, regularly showcasing his talent across the Chicagoland area and leveraging opportunities to present his music during visits to India.
Chi. Kirtan Warrier
Kirtan Warrier has been training in Carnatic music for the past seven years and is blessed to be a disciple of Smt. Santhi Mahadevan, Founder and Director of the Pranavam School of Music. He actively nurtures his musical growth by listening to eminent Carnatic musicians and attending live concerts. He also enjoys singing in multiple languages.
Kirtan has participated in several music competitions, including Indian Octaves, Papanasam Sivan Foundation, and events organized by the Saptami Foundation, earning multiple prizes. His performance experience includes recitals at Purandara Dasa Aaradhana, Pranavam Annual Day, Bhadrachalam Ramadasu Jayanti, IFAA Nada Pratibha 2025, and Nadopasana at the DFW Hindu Temple, among others.
In addition to Carnatic vocal training, Kirtan is learning piano and Western violin, and he plays the flute in his middle school band. He enjoys exploring and experimenting with a variety of musical instruments.
Guru Sri. Umamahesh Iyer
Sri Umamahesh Iyer is an ardent lover of music and started learning Mridangam and later his interest continued as a violinist. He started learning violin from the young age of 5 from Guru Pala Balakrishna Pillai who was an eminent violinist and was known for his unique style. Umamahesh had his first public concert at the age of 9. He continued his lessons from Shri. Nedumangad Sivanandan in Kerala and Prof. R Thyagarajan of Swathi Thirunal Music college, Trivandrum, Kerala.
He is now pursuing advanced lessons from Smt.Vaikom Padma Krishnan who is a senior disciple of Kalimamani/Padmashree A. Kanyakumari and consulting lessons from Shri. TKV Ramanujacharlu of Srirangam.
He actively participates and supports music activities & vocal and dance arangetrams in the DFW area.
He is a Software Engineer /IT Professional and employed in a reputed IT company in a Senior management position and currently lives in Plano, TX, USA.
Kum. Janhavi Swaminathan
Kum. Janhavi Swaminathan began her musical journey in Carnatic violin at the tender age of eight under the guidance of Sri. Venkatraman sir. She has performed at numerous local events in the Dallas area, including Sri Venkatamakhi and Tyagaraja Aradhanai, Bhadrachala Ramadasu Jayanthi, Dikshitar Day, Purandaradasar Aradhanai, and various charity events. Additionally, she has performed in IFAA nadaprathibha and Indian Octaves programs.
Chi. Shankar Umamahesh
Shankar Umamahesh is a versatile artist: a rapper, singer, songwriter, and a classically trained violinist. He is currently a sophomore at the University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a degree in Computer Science. Shankar?s musical journey began under Guru Sri. Raghavendra Alankar and later under the guidance of his father, Sri. Umamahesh Iyer. Deeply rooted in Carnatic tradition, Shankar has performed in numerous concerts across the DFW area and teaches violin alongside his father at their music academy, K School of Violin. Outside the classical stage, he blends his passion for rhythm and poetry through rap, going by his artist name $uma. Shankar is also the co-founder of the band Tamil Nadudes, which has reached over 40,000 views online. Recently, he was selected as a finalist in a rap competition hosted by acclaimed freestyle artist Harry Mack, where he delivered a standout performance in front of 500+ audience.
Chi. Kuvalaya Datta Tummala
Kuvalaya Datta Tummala is a devotee of Sri Ganapati Saccidananda Swamiji. Following the guidance of Sri Swamiji, he began his musical journey on the harmonium in 2022. He received his initial, foundational training from Sri Tanmay Deochake and is currently studying Carnatic music under the tutelage of Vidwan Jaitra Varanasi. Kuvalaya has had the opportunity to perform for Tiruppugazh and dance programs across the DFW area and regularly accompanies satsangs and events at the Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple.
Guru Sri Raju Balan
Vid. Raju Balan, is a senior mridangist who has trained for 10 years under Vid. Thalavoor N S Rajeev (A Grade artist of Trivandrum All India Radio) in the lineage of the legendary Palghat Mani Iyer. Hailing from Dubai, his journey began with Carnatic vocal training under the guidance of his mother, Vidushi Saroja Balan, a renowned musician in the Middle East.
With over a decade of musical expertise, Raju’s playing style seamlessly weaves into the nuances of a composition’s sahithyam. He has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Vid. Vivek Moozhikkulam, Violin Vid. T S Krishnamurthy, and Mandolin Vid. S M Subhani.
As a key figure in the Carnatic Music community in Dallas, Texas, Raju is dedicated to uplifting the local music scene, mentoring numerous students. Beyond Carnatic music, he explores Western fusion, showcasing his adaptability as an artist.
Outside of his musical pursuits, Raju serves as the Director of Data & AI at Slalom Consulting.
Guru Dr. Vivek Virani
Dr. Vivek Virani is Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology and Music Theory at the University of North Texas. He teaches courses about the connections between music, religion, and meditation in diverse world cultures. His upcoming book Songs of the Unknowable Country (Oxford University Press) explores the role of songs by Kabir and affiliated poet-saints in contemporary Indian society.
Dr. Virani has been blessed to learn tabla under world masters Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri, and dhrupad under Pt. Uday Bhawalkar. He is currently studying bansuri with Shri Rajat Prasanna. A versatile musician, Vivek performs on many global instruments and styles, and has accompanied leading Indian classical, devotional, and folk artists as well as Western classical, jazz, rock, and fusion musicians.
Chi. Chidatma Datta Chaganti
Chidatma Datta Chaganti is a passionate mridangam artist rooted in the Carnatic music tradition. Upon the instructions of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, Chidatma began his training at the age of six under Guru Rudrapatna Shankar Ramesh of Mysore, a disciple of the legendary maestro, Guru Karaikudi Mani Sir. From a young age, Chidatma showed a keen interest in percussion, and his dedication has led him to win prizes from prestigious organizations and festivals like the Cleveland Thyagaraja Aradhana and ICMDA, earning accolades from both peers and Gurus alike. Chidatma has also had the honor of accompanying senior musicians, including Vidwan Kunnakudi Balamuralikrishna in a concert at the prestigious Nada Mantapa in Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysuru. Chidatma continues to pursue his passion for rhythm while studying Computer Science at the University of Texas at Dallas.
Chi. Harish Venkatraman
Harish is a freshman at UTD majoring in computer science. Harish learns from Dr Rukmini Ramani Vocal and in mridangam under Vid. Poovalur Sriji for many years and is currently under the tutelage of Vid. S V Ramani. He is a passionate vocalist and mridangist and has performed in the Chennai Margazhi season for the past five years at notable sabhas like Thiruvayiru Thygaraja Aradhana, Bekal Gokulam Goushala(Kerala), HCL concert (New Delhi), Vani Mahal, Brahma Gana Sabha, Hamsadhwani, Karthik Fine Arts, Nadasudha to Name a few. He has won prizes in the Shanmukhananda Sabha competitions(Mumbai), as well as the first prize in the Cleveland Ragam Tanam Pallavi competition and Prizes at other Manodharmam Categories. He was part of many Broadway shows for Dance and Raised funds for Charity.
Awards:
1.Venkateshwara Vaibhavam (Largest Carantic Band) under Shri. Ganapathi Sachidananda Swami and secured the Guiness.
2.YUVA Tyagaraja Aradhana Facilitator Award ( 2025) for propagating the aradhana in the youth.
Apart from academics and music he is an avid chess player, a Retired Athlete who now referees at the taekwondo National tournaments and takes Layam classes at the Dfw area.
Chi. Advaith Kamath
Advaith Kamath is a mridangamist and an ardent rasika of Carnatic music from Dallas, Texas. He began his training under Sri Shankar Rajagopalan of Frisco, TX, and is presently a disciple of Guru Vid. A. Balakrishna Kamath, an AIR A-graded artist from Kochi, Kerala. Vid. Balakrishna Kamath is a distinguished disciple of the late Vid. N. G. Sharma and Vid. Palakkad T. R. Rajamani. Advaith is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
Chi. Govind Rangappa
Chi. Govind is a versatile and multi-talented artist trained in Mridangam and Carnatic vocal. Govind identified himself with the rhythm and tones of percussion at an early age of 6 when his mother took him to an ISKCON temple aarathi where he was intrigued by a devotee playing the Dhol. With unwavering support from his loving parents, he formally started training in mridangam at the age of 8 with Houston’s Guru Sri Ramji Shankar Ayyar. At age 13, under the mentorship of Bangalore’s Vidwan Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma, Govind gave his Mridangam Arangetram. Till date, Govind continues to advance his training in Mridangam and other percussion instruments. In addition to percussion, Govind also has been learning Carnatic Vocal, originally from Dr. Raajasree Srinivasan of Dallas and currently from Chennai’s Sri Sastry Chivukula. Chi Govind performed at prestigious Kannada conventions, all major temples in Houston and Dallas, and routinely plays mridangam for Carnatic Vocal, Kuchipudi, Bharathanatyam, and Violin rangapravesams. Govind is currently a sophomore at the University of Dallas majoring in Computer Science. Govind is driven by his deep passion towards music and the spiritual enrichment it offers to himself and the audience. His goal is to captivate the audience by drawing out deep emotions through the rich and dynamic sounds of his instrument and Carnatic music.🎼