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Fervour of Aadi

Rema Sunder discovers that many streets in the city come alive in the Tamil month of Aadi

PHOTO: S. MAHINSHA

STICKING TO TRADITION `Kollattam' (stick dance) is a special feature of the Tamil month of Aadi

Come the Tamil month of Aadi, many streets in the city come alive with activities. Families come together to partake in the festivities, which range from reciting the Ramayana to performing the Kollattam.

Also referred to as the Ramayana month, the month of Aadi, which begins mid July, is also a time when Goddesses are worshipped. The air is redolent with the fragrance of jasmine and silks as groups of women and children, dressed in their best visit neighbourhood temples.

Says Usha Narayanan, a resident of Sasthan Koil Street, near Vazhappally Junction, Fort, "The month of Aadi ushers in the festival season. Starting from this month, the festivities go on till the month of Thai (January-February)."

`Kollattam' (stick dance) is a special feature of this month. Young girls between the ages of six and 15, dressed in brightly coloured silk full skirts and adorned with strings of jasmine in their hair take part in this dance.

"I start preparing the girls one month before Aadi. Earlier women used to perform the Kummi dance as well," says Ambujam who along with A.R. Saraswathy zealously train girls in this dance.

Ramayana month

Reading holy scriptures like the Ramayana is also common in the month.

Says S. Ramachandran, a Harikatha performer from Sreevaraham, "The month of Aadi used to be associated with scarcity and ill health. So, people used to recite the Ramayana to help them get through this period. Even now, people read the Ramayana in this month."

However, the discount wave that engulfs shops in Tamil Nadu during the month is conspicuous by its absence here.

Says Gopalan, manager, Shree Gurukripa Sri. P. Venkatarao's, Pazhavangady, "Sales are poor on account of the fact that marriages are not commonly held during this month."

Agrees V. Hariharan, proprietor, Swami's Silk House, Chenthitta and adds that his shop has been conducting its annual clearance sale during this month for the past 42 years.

He says, "Our annual discount sale begins on the first Wednesday of the month of Aadi." Discounts ranging from 20 to 60 per cent are offered till stocks last.

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