Kartik Fine Arts always keeps its date with the monsoon in Chennai on the day it launches its December Season art festival.

Though the rain took a break this December 1 evening, giving artistes, guests and rasikas time to get into Narada Gana Sabha auditorium in time for the event, it began to rain heavily outside some 30 minutes into the event.

It was an evening to award two young artistes at the 51st edition of the art fest. Flutist J. A. Jayant and Bharatanatyam artiste Deepthi Ravichnadran, besides others.

Besides the chief guest, Singapore-based businessperson Neelamani Muthukumar, there was Sangita Kalanidi-designate, violinist R K Shriran Kumar on stage. He was effusive in his praise for the art and the career of Jayant and of Deepti, besides that of vocalist S. Suryaprakash, who was also recognised but could not be present since he is currently in Australia.

Young violinist Parur M K Ananthalakshmi and G. Nagarajan of Chrompet Cultural Academy were also honoured.

Senior theatre person Bombay Gnanam, who walked on to the stage to felicitate Deepthi, said that the artiste started her career in the arts as a theatre artiste, made an impact and then performed as a dancer at concerts.

Following the awards and launch event, there was a concert by Amirtha Murali.