First time witnessing the festival and sure it did leave the best impression of the people. And to be honest didn't venture out just for encouraging or to be part of the same but as P happened to participate in one of the events went there early than the stipulated time. Well, P was part of the children's choir group that performed on Saturday. The event was also covered in DC main page 2. Ahem ..... PROUD OF YOU P.
Since we went early we were also viewing the other programs and I was surprised to see so many people there. They were all sitting there and encouraging the artists. Kuchiaattam as they fondly call was just spectacular. It gave such vibrancy and energy to the crowd that we were unable to take our eyes off. They are students of Madras University and in the midst of time where either people go behind carnatic music inspired by Supersingers and similar programs or Western music to just show off their hip-hop culture, it was refreshing. P thoroughly enjoyed their performance and was asking endless questions about the art.
Then came the music recital by another group and then again were encouraged equally by the audience. It was followed by the dance performance. I should say, it was spectacular. Kannappar story and the Gajendra motcham was taken as theme and i got an opportunity to explain to P these two stories. I think the success lies in attracting the normal day to day crowd who never venture into the so called sabhas for a recital. Next was the choir music and it was a mixed group and the children not only sang with enthusiasm and fervour but thoroughly enjoyed every bit of their time spent on the stage. The full credit goes to the teacher and she made them comfortable throughout their classes and rehearsal sessions. A special child was part of the group and i was literally moved by his parents dedication and encouragement. Never once they made him feel that he was out of the group , them i literally mean everyone - children, teacher and parents. Hats of to them. It just made me to retrospect myself and the manner in which i was interacting with P. Though mine is considered normal parental behaviour (normal varies from person to person ;p) , i thought i ought to be more tolerable and patient.
On the whole the festival made me to look forward to the day where i would be moving to the locality. I especially would like to live in the maada veethis . So far my wishes had come true. Been part of triplicane, west mambalam , and ashok nagar.(my childhood wishes and many of them had come true).
Due to time constraint was forced to skip the food stalls and the craft zone. But vowed that i would visit them leisurely next time with of course aathu at my side. (financier) Ennathaan namba kitta panam irunthaalum its not worth the salt unless aathu takes it out from his wallet. Always would ask before venturing outside - naan handbag eduthukkava illa vendaama, to which his reply would be - Eppadi irunthaalum open panna porathilla but still atleast mobile kaaga vaanum eduthindu vaaa, shoppppping expeditionla engeyanum poitta trace panna venume!!!!!!!!!!