So what will Season 2009 remembered for?

Perhaps as we go home and sit back, some things will dawn on all of us who are part of the ‘season’.

Sabha promoters and team members, artistes and their accompanists, ground managers, sponsors, media and rasikas indeed.

One of the early observations that a sponsor made as the first Fest opened was this - we pay about four lakh rupees but is there something beyond just banners and mention in adverts in the dailies that such money can support to enhance the quality of fests?

Is the season a Fest that can rival Fests around the world or does it still remain a string of concerts run by sabhas?

How is technology playing a part in such a unique event? More and more young artistes employ it off and on the stage.

Communication of the ‘season’ is improving as web tools and resources are used. But these are still limited in the use.

Local TV channels take the ‘season’ kutcheris to our living rooms asdoes AIR. But the leading cell companies have not shown a great desire to participate. Can this everyday means of communication expand the ‘season’ to bring more rasikas to the halls ?

Does the state have any role to play at all?

Recall a grand announcement the DMK government made two (or was it three?) years ago, saying it would play a part. It also named some prominent people in the arts on the team. The idea died quickly.

Tamil Nadu Tourism does not seem to think much about the ‘season’: it choses to focus on its Mamallapuram Dance Fest and now, the Chennai Sangamam.

It may have been a bad year in terms of business. But how then were dozens of extra events held that in many cases just did not work - imagine 10 people, including the artistes parents in Row 1? Do we still want to have an unbridled ‘season’?

The brightest spot - a good crop of young artistes are doing well, attracting rasikas and moving forward very confidently.