Sunday, December 27, 2009
Unanswerable Question?!
So i'm not sure whether or not i'm the only one who feels this way, but really, what in the world is the hype about Sun TV? Honestly speaking, how can one benefit from watching Sun TV? Dwelling deeper, the program schedule on weekdays goes something like SERIALS from sun up till sun down. Maybe thats why they named it Sun TV; you know, the same type of show..?! no?! Well, you get my point...Then there the 2:00 movie. Oh My GOD! ITS A SARATHKUMAR MOVIE...again. Seriously! Ever heard of variety?! Say, one magical afternoon, they play a fairly decent movie, a rareity, something about that movie wouldn't be appealing; it could be that specific copy, or the fact that its been played too many times. Either way, people sit and watch it. Why?! Same with the mentioned seirals, WHY?! What satisfaction does one get from watching horrible actors/actresses cry, shout, kill, etc. Why does one waste time watching someone walk from the bathroom to the living room while wailing music plays in the background?! Dont get me wrong, i'm also a victim of this, which is why i'm writing this. I can't understand how idiotic, repetitive storylines and old movies can capture people. What's in channels like Sun TV, that gathers a hold over people?! Definately a question to ponder... :)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
December Season
The already crazed streets of Chennai become louder and faster than ever before during the month of December. Not only residents of India, but Indians from abroad add to this pleasant chaos. Why? Whats so special about this month? To summarize in 2 words: December Season.
The annual festival of classical music and dance has come to be known as the 'December season'. High class concerts are held in December through into January in major venues throughout Chennai. Being the Tamil month of Margazhi, a time for devotion - the dawn of the Gods, December Season is celebrated in astonishing splendor.
The December Music season came to stay when The Music Academy began holding concerts during its first annual conference in 1929. They then decided that the concerts could be held during the week of Christmas. The courts were closed during that period and many were having several rounds of merrymaking. The native society leaders were at a 'break' and this gave them something to do. That 'one week' program has grown into what the city calls as the 'Music season'.
Over the recent years, a lot more sabhas have hosted close to 300-plus concerts, held from mid November to the time of Pongal, which is the local harvest festival. Besides the kutcheris, the events at some dozen halls or auditoriums are interesting and varied - from intellectual discussions, lec-dems in the mornings and informal face-to-face meetings with artists to art exhibitions and album launches. Traditional arts like like the Harikatha ( which means the Story of God - a formalised musical telling of devotional stories) and nadaswaram playing are also performed in accordance with the kutcheries, dances and dramas. The festival also attracts expatriate Indians and scholars from around the world. Sponsorship has waxed and waned for the festival over the years but has come to be a more integral part of the December season. Of late, besides the air-conditioned auditoriums in the city, alternative venues like the well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows are also being used. The season goes on at least until January, when the festival of Thirvayaru takes over.
Being one of the most integral part of the music society, 'December Season' is an advent that is sure to stay for many more eras. We can be sure that as long as our Indian traditions exist, 'seasons' like this one will never die.
If you are in India or planning to visit during this period, check out http://www.thedecemberseason.com/home.php for the schedule of the programs.
The annual festival of classical music and dance has come to be known as the 'December season'. High class concerts are held in December through into January in major venues throughout Chennai. Being the Tamil month of Margazhi, a time for devotion - the dawn of the Gods, December Season is celebrated in astonishing splendor.
The December Music season came to stay when The Music Academy began holding concerts during its first annual conference in 1929. They then decided that the concerts could be held during the week of Christmas. The courts were closed during that period and many were having several rounds of merrymaking. The native society leaders were at a 'break' and this gave them something to do. That 'one week' program has grown into what the city calls as the 'Music season'.
Over the recent years, a lot more sabhas have hosted close to 300-plus concerts, held from mid November to the time of Pongal, which is the local harvest festival. Besides the kutcheris, the events at some dozen halls or auditoriums are interesting and varied - from intellectual discussions, lec-dems in the mornings and informal face-to-face meetings with artists to art exhibitions and album launches. Traditional arts like like the Harikatha ( which means the Story of God - a formalised musical telling of devotional stories) and nadaswaram playing are also performed in accordance with the kutcheries, dances and dramas. The festival also attracts expatriate Indians and scholars from around the world. Sponsorship has waxed and waned for the festival over the years but has come to be a more integral part of the December season. Of late, besides the air-conditioned auditoriums in the city, alternative venues like the well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows are also being used. The season goes on at least until January, when the festival of Thirvayaru takes over.
Being one of the most integral part of the music society, 'December Season' is an advent that is sure to stay for many more eras. We can be sure that as long as our Indian traditions exist, 'seasons' like this one will never die.
If you are in India or planning to visit during this period, check out http://www.thedecemberseason.com/home.php for the schedule of the programs.
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