Madurai’s unique Chithrai Festival has officially started. The celestial marriage preparations at Meenakshi temple is in full swing. The 45-day Chithrai Exhibition is also launched on time. The path for ‘Azhagar’ entering Vaigai river is being spruced up. City Police commissioner told media that women police constables will roam in disguise to catch eve-teasers! Expect to see remakes of Vadivelu comedy scenes on the streets!!
This time, a circus has also pitched in to add jazz to the festival time. Perhaps this is the first time a circus will conduct show on the northern side of Vaigai. It’s been setup at Wakf Board college grounds. The usual venue ‘UC Hr Sec school grounds at Tamilnadu theological seminary campus‘ is no longer an attractive option. It is now hidden by the shopping complex built by theological seminary along the road.
They were literally festivals. When the candidates of political parties came canvassing, they didn”t come quiet. A band (either gross western or the ”thaarai – thappattai” variety) marches in the front, followed by flag bearing kids and notice distributing lads, they will be some slogan shouting and one person will announce the arrival of the candidate on a mic.
In a minute or so, after giving sufficient time for people to gather in front of their houses, the candidates visit either on an open jeep or walk with folded hands atop their heads. All this for just ward councillors!
The local body elections are over yesterday (Oct. 15) and there was a report of violence in The Hindu.
With less than a week for Deepavali, people barely have time to ready for next festival!!
With Deepavali less than a month, the purchase mania is slowly picking up. But festivity started abruptly. The Madurai Central MLA constituency goes for election on Oct 11 and Madurai Corporation councillor elections scheduled for Oct 15 barely a week ahead of Deepavali.
That will make 3 festivals, not to forget the Saraswathi Pooja, Vijayadasami festivals on Oct 1 and 2.
The City’s crowded central area will remain noisy and colourful for the coming month. Enjoy the double (trible?) festivals!!
If you ever wanted a well written and fairly accurate information on Madurai, you can find at Wikipedia. I”ve gladly added it to the Madurai sites listed in the right column here.
Under the heading ”Present Problems” it listed out ”Brain Drain” as one of the major problem. Brain drain of Madurai is my favourite lament for more than two decades.
Just a try for Railway reservations from Chennai or Bangalore to Madurai for festival holidays will show it more prominently. The days prior to Deepavali or Pongal, the reservation from Chennai to Madurai gets filled atleast a month in advance, while the otherway, from Madurai to Chennai on the same days have vacant berths/seats. Then again for the 2-3 days after the festival, the trains from Madurai to Chennai will have a long waiting list while the trains from Chennai to Madurai were sparsely crowded.
The rush to buses plying between Madurai – Coimbatore and Madurai – Tirupur are to be seen to be believed. Since these city & town were within 5 hours travelling distance, there will be special buses to Madurai on the day prior to the festival and the special buses will be available in the return direction on the day after the festival.
