Food is absolutely integral to the Margazhi festival, sometimes even more important than the music itself! Sabha canteens are usually the sites of great joyful annual reunions of friends and family, where laughter and talk is interjected with “bonda irukka?” or “inikki tiffin enna?”. Canteens are also the venue for the dissection of concerts and spirited discussions on performers – chances are eavesdropping on these conversations provide greater learning than attending lec-dems!
Different caterers serve their fare at different sabhas – Gyanambika at Narada Gana Sabha is known for its meals, Mint Padmanabhan’s morkali and Guntur Idli are washed down with a warm, comforting glass of Horlicks, Mountbatten Mani’s innovations {think pineapple and watermelon rasam} are usually the talk of the town, and Meenambiga’s mouthwatering vazhaipoo vadai is just the right combination of soft and crunchy. Of course, absolutely no meal is incomplete without a steaming davra of filter coffee downed to the accompaniment of the strains of music in the background.
Margazhi is incomplete without all the fabulous fashion on display –the rustle of a variety of silks in jewel tones, the occasional glimmer of diamonds, the gentle, musical jingling of anklets, the intoxicating fragrance of jasmine, and the crackle of freshly starched cotton sarees are all as integral to the month as the music and dance itself. Be ready for a feast for the eyes, ears and tastebuds!
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