December and January months are called as spiritual, divine, cold and holiday months of Chennai. These months are known as Marghazhi and Thai months which are connected to spirituality, while you could experience cool air and chillness in the atmosphere.
When these months get clubbed with Christmas, New year and Pongal festivals there are lot of things to do,
which we will see one by one.
- Marghazhi Utsav in temples- Devoted to Lord Vishnu and Sri Andal, temples open by 5am and close by 10am again opening between 5pm to 8pm. Lot of special poojas are conducted this whole month, where I got to see Marghazhi Swathi, Marghazhi Krithikai, Thai Chathurthi and Thai vellikalamai(fridays). This year I visited Sri Balaji mandir -Annanagar, Sri Marundeeshwarar- Beasant nagar, Sri Kapaleeshwarar- Mylapore, Sri Shyam Mandir- Annanagar and Sri Chandramouleeshwarar. On Thaipoosam day I visited Bala Murugan temple and Arupadai Veedu.
Balamurugan Temple
1800 4253 1111
https://maps.app.goo.gl/NF5KCqtbCqADzZ2d7?g_st=ic
- Exhibitions- Lot of exhibitions are put up in these two months. Right from clothes to bed sheets, from accessories to shoes, from vessels to decors. One such exhibition I attended this year was- Maniam legacy. A small gallery was put up at Greams road, where lot of sketches were displayed. One such sketch which everyone wanted to see was the character sketch of Ponniyin Selvan book. One sketch that I loved and would stay memorable in my mind would be King Raja Raja Chozhan.
- Mylapore fest- A four days fair held in Mylapore area around Sri Kapaleeshwarar. The fair is organised by Sundaram Finance every year. From eateries to cultural activities everything is seen with two streets. One such street is filled with Rangoli and Kolam competitions, while the other linking street is full of shopping items. Free heritage walks were done around these streets these four days. I had the best panipuris and kozhukattai here along with a cup of coffee.
Mylapore
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7yedsqRjrLPUTrvT8?g_st=ic
- Chennai sangamam- A fest devoted to cultural dances and songs of Tamilnadu. This year the fest was organised after a long gap. They were conducted all through Pongal holidays in many parts of Chennai. One such place I attended was at NageshwarRao park Alwarpet. A Dias with colorful background welcomed me. The program started on time. First performance was Sambalattam following music concert, Bharatanatyam and Therukoothu.
Nageswara Rao Park
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TZwqTwPzf4VdvRmS9?g_st=ic
- Open movie show- So after Madras day this year for Hindu Lit fest, an open beach movie was organised at Thiruvanmiyur beach. A small private beach with only one lane connectivity. This year “Ponniyin Selvan” movie both parts were telecasted. Sitting and watching the screen amidst contrasting sky is definitely a very different experience.
Tiruvanmiyur Beach (New Beach Road Trail)
1800 4253 1111
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXL4MP7zbaMDNvva8?g_st=ic
- Hindu Lit Fest- This year this fest was held at Sri Muthusubbarao school Chetpet. Two full days excellent panelist, speakers and book authors and publishers. There were two halls devoted for this fest- Sri Muthusubba Rao concert hall and Hindu pavilion hall. There was a separate cabin for - Meet your authors. While lot of tents were laid for eateries, natural food and farm fresh juices. A parking space was separately allotted. This time highlight of the fest was Hindu lit fest mobile library. You could take a book and drop another book. I attended second day of this fest.
Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall
044 4356 1198
https://maps.app.goo.gl/armvry3FNCxo2bzdA?g_st=ic
- Heritage walks- This year all through Marghazhi month (except heavy rain days), till Pongal lot of heritage walks were organised. One such heritage walk I attended was of Mr.V Sriram walk at Mylapore. Another was around Alwarpet area. During Pongal holidays, temples of Chennai, T nagar and Mountroad areas were covered with heritage walks. They were organised early in the morning. Wearing sweaters attending the walk was a different experience.
What I missed this year was- Chennai Book exhibition, Island grounds Tourism fair - though this fair is open till March end and Marghazhi dance music concerts.
Coming years, I am sure more events will be organised all through these two months. I will try to cover them and share with you all.