Celestial visitors on the prowl
S. JANAKI
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Come December it is destination Chennai even for the gods.
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"Let's have a holiday with our children," said Siva to Parvati. "Where shall we go?" "Come December and its Destination Chennai," exclaimed an excited Kartikeya, bouncing up and down on his peacock.
"Let's enjoy Margazhi," squealed Ganesa playing with his mouse.
"Leave your vehicles behind, no parking space in Chennai," advised Parvati.
"Remember, we go to the earth in the guise of human beings!" "Tathaastu, let's go!" they chorused and the Kailasa quartet flew down to Chennai — the cultural capital.
"Can we book a luxury suite?"
"You don't stand a chance Kartikeya. Every hotel is bustling with outstation visitors; the marriage halls are booked for kutcheris. We have no option but to camp in our very own Kapali temple," said Siva as they wound their way through the busy Mada streets.
"Quick, get me a copy of the special music and dance supplement!" Siva called out to Kartikeya.
"I would rather have the handy pocket programme book-cum-raga reckoner. Get me a copy, Ganesa!" said Parvati.
Next day, at the break of dawn the quartet set out to join the group assembled to board the bus for the Music Heritage Walk. "Hey look! Why are people standing in queues outside the sabha at this early hour?"
"They have lined up to collect their season tickets, Ganesa," replied Siva.
"Swami! Do we have to join them?"
"Don't worry, dear Parvati. I have already made arrangements for my ganas to purchase our tickets," assured Siva.
"Easwara, Easwara! I had to move heaven and earth to buy just four tickets," wailed a hot and bothered Sivagana as he handed over the tickets to his master.
"Brother Ganesa, don't forget to do your bending exercises or you will never be able to squeeze your way through the narrow rows in the halls," giggled Kartikeya as Ganesa glared at him. "Stop quarrelling and come along," admonished Parvati.
Sumptuous fare
The foursome walked towards the hall where mangala isai filled the air.
"Aha what divine music!" exclaimed Siva. "But where is the audience?" "They are out in the canteen tucking into puri-chana and bondas. You get good sumptuous fare," replied the old couple in the adjoining seats.
"Maami, you don't eat out, do you?" enquired Parvati.
"Oh yes, we do. We always have our share during the tani avartanam!" "Poor Nandi and his tribe," muttered Siva under his breath.
Soon, the quartet jumped into an auto and alighted near the VIP entrance to listen to a Carnatic vocal recital. A volunteer respectfully ushered them in and presented them with programme leaflets and earplugs.
"Cotton plugs?" Ganesa wondered aloud. "Yes sir, to save your eardrums from the deafening decibels," smiled the volunteer.
Bewildered, the family however decided to take a chance and face the sonic boom.
Later, after a steaming cup of coffee and sambar vadai, the Lord of Dance and his consort wanted a taste of Bharatanatyam. The youngsters tagged along. "Appa, look at the types of araimandi!" giggled Ganesa as he scrutinised the dancers on stage.
"This glittering glamorous dancer beats Indraloka's Rambha and Menaka hollow," whispered Parvati to Siva. "Here comes Siva with a brown wig of matted locks and a stiff golden serpent around his neck," squealed Ganesa with glee.
"Big brother! Don't miss your look-alike. He is wearing a rubber mask with a wriggly tube and has a pillow tied around his waist for your pot-belly," guffawed Kartikeya as he rolled with laughter.
"I have had enough," grunted Siva as he got up from his seat.
Siva marched out and into the manager's office. The others followed suit. Siva revealed their true identity to the old man.
"Please give me just two slots to perform in your sabha. One for a jugalbandi, for me and my sister — I play the rudra veena and she plays the saraswati veena; and the other for the original dance of Siva and Sakti. Give us a chance to show the world the true greatness of our music and dance," requested Siva.
The sabhanayaka peered at him through his glasses and said, "Siva Siva! All slots booked for this season. Come and see me in May next year. And yes, don't forget to bring a sponsor."
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