Kerala had a big reason to celebrate on Sunday when A R Rahman [Images] chose the state to kick off his first Live in Concert, Jai Ho.

After a reception befitting an Oscar award winner by the state government, Rahman -- dressed in blue jeans and a jacket -- sent the crowd in raptures at the Corporation stadium in Kozikhode.

Joining Rahman on stage were Malayali singer Sayanora, Hariharan [Images], Sadhana Sargam, Chithra, Rashid Ali, Javed Ali, Mohammed Aslam and Raja Hassan.

The show started at 8 pm and featured a lot of dance performances as well.

Photograph: Dipak/Reuters