Thaipusam is a sacred day dedicated to Lord Murugan, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, faith over fear, and perseverance through devotion. For devotees, it is not merely a celebration but a deeply personal spiritual journey of gratitude, vows, and fulfilment.
This Thaipusam, devotion takes on a creative form as Nana’s Pani Puri collaborates with renowned Malaysian singer Santesh to release a special music video titled Aathirren Vel, dedicated to Lord Murugan.
An Unexpected Yet Meaningful Collaboration
Widely recognised as a local favourite, Nana’s Pani Puri has become synonymous with Thaipusam celebrations, particularly among devotees who gather in large numbers during the annual festival. Owned by Mr and Mrs Avinesh Kumar Nandana, Nana’s Group Sdn Bhd has steadily expanded beyond its humble beginnings, breaking barriers and growing into a trusted food franchise brand.
Meanwhile, Santesh is no stranger to faith-inspired music. Beyond his popular independent singles, he is well known for devotional songs dedicated to Lord Murugan, making him a natural fit for a Thaipusam-themed collaboration.
Explaining the decision to work with Santesh, Dr Nandana shared that the collaboration was driven by sincerity rather than strategy.
“Santesh felt like the perfect collaborator for this Thaipusam-themed project because of his strong cultural roots, distinctive musical style, and genuine devotion. We wanted someone who could honour the spiritual depth of Thaipusam while also connecting with the younger generation. His love for Murugan Appa aligned beautifully with our intentions. This was never just about creating a song, but about celebrating faith, gratitude, culture, and blessings through music.”
The Meaning Behind Aathirren Vel
The music video carries a deeply personal significance. Aathirren Vel is named after the son of Mr and Mrs Avinesh Kumar Nandana, making the project even more meaningful. The highlight of the video is the portrayal of Lord Murugan by young Aathirren Vel himself, adding an authentic and heartfelt devotional element to the visual narrative.
Dr Nandana described the experience as one of the most emotional moments of her life.
“Portraying Lord Murugan through my son came very naturally because we have always lovingly called him ‘Kutty Murugan’. His birth is something I deeply connect to Murugan Appa’s blessings after years of waiting and prayer. Naming him Aathirren Vel and watching him embody that role on screen brought back memories of every promise I whispered in prayer. For me, it symbolised hope, divine grace, and the fulfilment of a dream after seven long years.”
Beyond Devotion: A Story of Faith and Perseverance
More than a festive release, Aathirren Vel reflects a deeply personal journey of unwavering faith, resilience, and spiritual surrender. For Dr Nandana, devotion to Lord Murugan has never been symbolic or seasonal, but a constant presence through life’s most testing moments.
This music video stands as a heartfelt offering of gratitude to Lord Murugan, transforming lived experiences of hope, struggle, and answered prayers into a visual and musical expression of thanksgiving.
“For seven years, I waited to hear the word ‘Amma’ while also raising my autistic daughter with love and strength. During that time, I continued praying to Murugan Appa, climbing temple steps on my knees and surrendering everything with faith. When my son finally called me ‘Amma’, it felt like my prayers were answered. Releasing Aathirren Vel during Thaipusam 2026 is our thanksgiving to Murugan Appa. Through this project, we want to convey gratitude, devotion, perseverance, and the power of faith, even during the hardest seasons of life,” she shared.
A Thaipusam Dedication for All Devotees
The Aathirren Vel music video, a collaboration between Nana’s Pani Puri and Santesh, captures the essence of Lord Murugan as the divine protector who defeats evil and safeguards his devotees. Released in conjunction with Thaipusam, the music video serves as a relatable and heartfelt dedication for devotees across generations.
The music video is now available on YouTube.
Cast & Crew of Aathirren Vel Music Video
- Vocals, Music & Lyrics: Santesh
- Director: Jayaseelan Naderaj
- Producer: Nana’s Group Sdn Bhd
- Executive Producers: Mr & Mrs Avinesh Kumar Nandana
- Cast: Kutty Lovina, Aathirren Vel
- Cinematographer, Editor & Colorist: Saii Naarayan
- Makeup Artist : Glammed by Easwar
- Murugan Accessories: Raj Mediawork Baby Studio
