The margazhi season is arguably the most popular time of the year to enjoy and celebrate music and dance. With Chennai being the Mecca of South Indian music and dance, this is definitely the place to be.

Parampara, the word itself meaning impermanent and permanent has a beautiful way of evolving with time. Indian Classical Music, especially Carnatic music holds its steep roots and strengthens itself with every Margazhi that comes by. In this winter month, referred to as the empty month or shoonya month is when no weddings or auspicious occasions are scheduled.

The Margazhi hymn singers sing their way down the streets in the misty cold mornings. Slowly, society has now progressed to give importance to artists who have grown in popularity and hence marking the birth of the concept of ‘kutcheris’ and dance recitals in sabhas. With tourism enhancing and supporting the idea, visiting these performances has become like an annual pilgrimage to most ‘rasikas’.

Numerous sabhas with their packed itineraries and inflating ticket prices are roping in the most famous of performers for their creative and peak-time slots. While the women flaunt their kanjeevarams and uncles resort to their jibbahs; it’s still quite sad to see the interest of the audience restrict to the popular artists while upcoming talents still receive poor attendance.

Through winding alaaps, foot tapping jathiswarams to thani avarthanams, divinity and spirituality form an integral part of the music season with the bhakti rasa taking over. Unfortunately these days, concert durations are now cut down to accommodate more artistes and the pressure to grab the attention of the dwindling crowd is constantly increasing. But, it is also great to see the intervention of media to popularize the fine arts through television, face-off shows with artistes, intellectual discussions at lecture demonstrations and now concerts are even being made as movies.

This season is not just a showcase of musical talent and artistic expressions, but it is a congruence of the best of performers and a celebration of the arts.

It is always a pleasure and a blessing to be in Chennai for the music season especially in the month of Margazhi.