Thrissur: The mania of music reality television shows that's been sweeping the metros and cities across the country is now trickling down to Thrissur. A reason why, for the past one month, 13-year-old L S Nandana has been diligently preparing for the Chembai Sangeetholsavam, a local music festival.

“I am learning Classical musical for the last six years. I study music lessons seriously. I practiced the 'Kirthanam' to be sung here daily. I would like to continue my music lessons,” says Nandana.

And music reality TV shows are the real driving force behind the growing interest in this Thrissur music festival.

“My daughter studied classical music for the last six years. The TV reality shows is one factor, which inspires us for this. We also have noted that the child can have more concentration in her studies,” says Nandana’s father, E L Satheesh Kumar.

The Chembai Sangeetholsavam is conducted in memory of the doyen of Karnatic music, Chembai Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar. This year 4,000 participants are expected to participate in the festival, which will go on till November 21.