Lil Trails, in collaboration with Aalaap, is organising Lil Margazhi, on 14 and 15 December to encourage little torchbearers of Indian music and dance. Spread across two weekend mornings just before the beginning of Margazhi, the event includes music, storytelling and dance by children giving a glimpse into the future of the arts, a reminder of the joy they bring, and a celebration to the spirit of childhood. Additionally, popular storyteller Janaki Sabesh will share a tale reflecting the spirit of Margazhi.

The first day features solo performances by little musicians. Madhav Prahalad, who has been playing the violin for two years now; Ayushmaan Sairam who took to playing the mridangam at the age of 2 and has been a part of the drama Mani osai as Little Mani Iyer -  based on the life of the mridangam maestro Palghat Mani Iyer. The day will conclude with a performance titled ‘Lil Dikshitars’, showcasing a music ensemble from G Ravikiran's organization.

The second day themed ‘Joy of Dance’, has a line-up of little promising little stars of tomorrow. There is Bharatanatyam duet by Taarika Senthilkumar and ShreeKavini Anand, students of Lakshmi Ramaswamy at Sri Mudhraalaya. Ten year old, Taarika Senthilkumar is also interested in Silambam and Karate. Nine year old Shreekavini has been living in Chennai, away from her parents to learn dance. 

Then there is Kuchipudi by Asyasree Seshu Bhogireddy, student of Srimayi Vempati, Kuchipudi Art Academy). Asyasree is a 7th standard student and is also learning Carnatic music.

Sanaya, who started her Kathak training at the age of five and now continues to hone her skill from Jigyasa Giri would continue the celebration with a kathak presentation.

Finally, Aarna Badri Narayanan, student of Nandhini Navnith, Nrityalakshmi School of Classical Dance would conclude with a Bharatanatyam presentation. Aarna Badri Narayanan also harbours interest in science and is a key player in the school’s girls football team. 

Tickets are available on https://liltrails.com/lil-margazhi/