Margazhi mystique will endure despite challenges

Like cricket, which was popularised by the Brits, music in the month of December became a public event during colonial times. Courts closed for vacation during December and concerts were planned to fill the time. 

Later, the month gained an aura of mysticism. Margazhi became a cultural point of view post-Independence, with literature also playing a role. Andal’s Thiruppavai became very famous because Vaishnavites recited them in temples, sabhas and on streets, with a scholarly lecture on one pasuram a day. Andal composed 29 pasurams, and the last one, Vanga kadal kadaindha madhavanai is a valedictory, where Kothai (Andal) also figures. Saivaites on the other hand peruse Thiruvempavai, composed by Saint Manickavasagar, in the month of Margazhi. It was the venerable Kanchi Seer Mahaperiyaval who suggested that both Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai should be celebrated in this month, as they make a harmonious blend, to add to the mystique and mist of the month! The pasurams are a way to help all of us concentrate on tasks in hand and improve our self-awareness. Many sabhas hold discourses on Thiruppavai and Thiruvempavai, where entry is free, and attendees are offered free, piping hot Pongal !

The latest avatar of Margazhi is one where thousands of Carnatic concerts and Bharatanatyam recitals are held across the city. The official administration, social and corporate set-ups have ensured that the music season as it is now being called, has gotten bigger and better. This has made a tremendous improvement in the standard of living of many musicians. What is often overlooked in the Margazhi magic is the fact that a number of musicians have had to live in abject poverty. Many of them had to sustain themselves by conducting coaching classes. While the life of a musician may seem glamourous, not all of them make a lot money.

The arrival of NRIs, and their dollars has given a much-needed impetus to the bottom-line. Musicians, especially accompanying artistes, are paid a decent amount. The food festival during the music season has added another dimension.

However, in this shifting kaleidoscope, the cultural moorings of music and poetry have not got watered down. The younger generation is keen to learn more about their cultural roots and about our dharma. The centuries-old lives of the saints— it is their compositions that are sung during Margazhi — are still relevant today. They were all family men, who practiced dharma and devotion in a unique manner. 

In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “among the months I am Margazhi”, showing us its exalted position. In popular culture, poet Kannadasan has written a number of lyrics where Krishna devotion is amply exemplified and these songs resonate in public places, especially in the month of Margazhi, reaching people across strata.

As always, many people wonder if our traditional, cultural ethos will get watered down, due to influx of other influences. Society is all about ebb and flow. However, the mystique of Margazhi as a prime month for art, culture and self-realisation will remain strong and endure. 

Even in times of demonetisation, the month of Margazhi will continue to hit the high notes. The reason is very simple. Blame it on the hot weather the rest of the year, but in December people connect with their inner selves at the deepest level, especially during stressful times. We have our ancient saint poets to thank for that gift.