The Mada Streets around Sri Kapali Temple in Mylapore were abuzz even before the crack of dawn this Tuesday, December 16 when the first day of margazhi set in.
At various points, men, women and even children assembled and then began the margazhi bhajans even as they walked down the streets, with traces of mist in the air.
One group, made up mostly of children and teens, dressed in traditional attire, were led by Carnatic music vocalist Saketharaman. He teaches lots of children at his music school and encourages them to be part of the margazhi rounds here. Since the school children have tests and exams, the group does the rounds on weekend, not daily.
The post midnight temperature in the city has dipped to a low of 21 degrees the past few days and the chill could be felt in the air. But the members of each group had come well-warmed – some wearing light sweaters, some monkey caps and most women in pattu saris.
Being a working day, groups completed their rounds by 7.30 a.m. and left.
Through the season of margazhi, four to five groups will be doing the rounds of the streets here. People are welcome to join any of them.
