Chennai: With Margazhi setting in, DC did a reality check on Chennai's response to traditions related to this divine month.
Singing bhajans: Mylapore wakes up to bhajans or devotional songs rendered by groups of people. Undeterred by the wintry chill and mist, the music fest on the roads is held with enthusiasm. Musician Papanasam Ashok Ramani who has been rendering these bhajans for the last few decades, says, "My grandfather, legendary musician Papanasam Sivan, used to compose songs on the spot during bhajan sessions.
Distinguished musician Ramnad Krishnan was a regular. A few decades ago, musicians like Sowmya, Sanjay Subramaniam and Vijay Siva and I used to perform bhajans in the morning and have concerts in the evening. My mother, Rukmani Ramani, continues the tradition and her students join her every morning. Ours is called Thambura Bhajanai."
Reciting Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai: Margazhi or Paavai Nonbu observed during this month is part of Tamil tradition, with young girls reciting verses from Andal's Tiruppavai and Manikavasakar's Tiruvempavai. It was believed that young women offered these prayers to get good husbands. Several Siva and Vishnu temples continue the tradition where women recite the verses and pray for universal well-being, prosperity and peace.
Drawing kolams: Huge kolams, with a ball of cow dung holding a yellow pumpkin flower in the centre, mark the dawn of Margazhi in every household. It is believed beautiful kolams are drawn to welcome Goddess Mahalakshmi home.
While several houses in some areas continue to sport huge kolams, changing lifestyles and erratic work hours have stopped many women from venturing into performing this challenging feat. Also, with many houses giving way to apartments, we don't find the grand kolams of the past.
And to avoid the early morning Margazhi chill, women in some places can be seen drawing the kolam in front of their homes at night. Interestingly, there seems to be a good response to kolam competitions held every year. Kolam books and rangoli powder sell like hot cakes.
