Chennai, Dec. 7: The Chennai floods have come as a damper for the December music festival, the city's much-awaited season of Carnatic concerts, with key singers backing out citing the calamity even as most organisers insist the show will go on.

The artistes loath to perform have said it would be improper to have a festival in times of suffering. However, nine leading Sabhas - groups of music lovers that hold the programmes from December 1 to January 15 each year - have defended the shows, arguing the concerts would be dedicated to the victims of the floods and the collections would be donated for relief.

Top vocalists like Bombay Jayashri, P. Unnikrishnan, Vijay Siva and Nithyasree Mahadevan are among those who have declared they would not be singing.

"With so many people homeless and struggling for basic needs, I feel this is not the time for festivals. I sincerely hope the resources and energies used to back the December festival are channelised into helping Chennai get back to normality," Jayashri said in a statement today.

While Unnikrishnan has echoed the sentiment and cancelled his shows, Vijay Siva and Nithyasree are themselves flood victims and face the task of rebuilding their homes.

"My home in West Mambalam was invaded by floods during all the three major spells (of rain). The situation is so bad that I have engaged a professional agency to clean up the mess. I plan to sing after January 1," said Vijay Siva.

But some others differed. N. Murali, president of Music Academy - the big daddy of Chennai's sabhas - argued that there was no point in running from the event at the height of a calamity. Even during the tsunami of 2004, the concerts had continued because the season was already underway, Murali pointed out.

"By conducting the festival, we give an opportunity to the organisers and the artistes to use the event to contribute towards relief," Murali said. Also, he added, calling off the festival would mean depriving many young upcoming artistes who have been preparing for almost a year of a much-needed platform.

Ranjani of the popular Ranjani-Gayatri vocal duo said they planned to contribute their earnings towards flood relief.

"We cancelled two concerts on December 4 and 5 after consulting the organisers since it was so close to the deluge and access was a problem. (But) the rest of our concerts will go on. This is not some rock concert or joyous celebration. Since Carnatic music is a form of prayer, it will actually help soothe the trauma the city has gone through," Ranjani said.

But the current chaotic conditions could deter many NRIs who attend the season in droves, as performers and listeners, from turning up. Murali admitted the possibility of a dip in the overall numbers as many city residents have to first get down to putting their lives and homes back together.

Hotels are anxious about the fallout too. "We are full now as many displaced Chennai residents have moved into hotels. They will return once power is restored and their homes are cleaned up. But fewer music lovers from outside Chennai could mean many cancellations," said the owner of a hotel near Music Academy.

Usually, over 1,000 concerts are held during the season.