We don't need a caravan to Chidambaram. But we do need a carload of equipment to cover the most unique dance fest - Natyanjali.
I am in that car this Sunday as we head to the temple town. Over the years we at KutcheriBuzz have tried to enhance the coverage so that the arts world can watch the recitals live.
It is a small band of organisers and workers who really put this fest together. The temple has been in the news the past month following a court order which allowed the state to administer and manage the temple.
To date, the Podu Dikshitar community has done just this besides carrying on with the rituals and religious practices. Some say there is evidence that dates back to the 6th century.
Audience at Sri Kumbeshwarar temple
The Dikshitars have resisted moves to take over. There have been ugly scrapes and the recent one was one such. The case is still in court.
But the Natyanjali is not affected. Thirumagal, a senior state officer who oversees this temple from her Villupuram office tells me that she had men clean up the temple campus. That was a dire need. The campus was overrun by weeds and scrubs and people relieve themselves all over.
Arupa Roy
I find time to spare on Sunday so we speed away on a newly-laid road via Kattumanargudi. Chidambaram-Kumbakonam can be done by car in 80mins.
The Natyanjali team at Kumbakonam hosts the fest at the Kumbeswara Temple and it is well funded too. Arupa Roy, a sishya of Chitra Visweswaran just completes her anjali and makes way for a dancea-pourri by the effervescent young dancers of guru Anita Guha.
Disciples of Anitha Guha
Guha's shows are visual delights and the children enjoy the stage as well as the cheers that rasikas treat them with. "That kid must be just five?", a man asks me as he records the recital on his cellphone.
Mohini Attam Dancers
Actor Revathi Sankkaran emcees Guha's show which makes the show a nice package on a Sunday evening. A Mohiniattam recital follows and then comes actor-dancer Swarnamalya. The crowd does not perk up though. For it is in time to leave. The Natyanjali at Kumbakonam starts one Sivaratri eve.
Swarnamalya
It is well past midnight when we arrive in Chidambaram. At the temple yard, workers are still engaged on the stage. This time it will have a flat blue backdrop. The Chennai Doordarshan team will appreciate this - helps to get better quality images as they telecast recitals through the year on TV.
Tomorrow will be a long night!
