Two Days Full Of Fun

It was a Saturday evening. The idiot box was screaming in full volume with two spectators in the room. The first spectator interrupted “All the seniors would have started by now. It’s too hard to miss out.” The second spectator would have thought “This is the nth time she is saying this.” Yes, my cousin could understand how much I missed the two day extravaganza. This was the first time I missed it in the last 9 years.

Every year, our music school Gurus chose a weekend during the month of June and July, to conduct a two day event called ‘Santhoshi Matha Vidyalaya Musical Evening’. This is the most awaited event for most of the students of Santhoshi Matha Vidyalaya. Every student in the Vidyalaya is given a chance to perform (vocal or Mridhangam or both) on the stage in front of hundreds of people. The amount of effort put into this program is incredible. The practice sessions start early during the month of April or even earlier for students coming from other cities or states or countries. The preparations start a week earlier.

Most of the students have been associated with the vidyalaya for a long term. Hence we are part of the Vidyalaya, even though we might be residing in different parts of the world. We try to get our leaves planned accordingly if possible. The last time I took part as a singer was in June 2004 when I had taken up my first job. Since then I have been attending the function every year and participating in a few background activities. We look forward to this day for several reasons. One, we get an opportunity to refresh our memories with all our favourite songs we have learnt/heard. Two, it’s an opportunity to meet old friends. Above all it’s a pleasure to coordinate/work with our Gurus who are the masters behind the entire show. They see it as an opportunity to boost the confidence of every single student.

Talking about our Gurus, I have to mention a few words about them. This couple care for every student in the way parents take care of their children. The moment we enter the music class, we tend to forget all other things in the world. Their prayers and comforting words drive us towards goodness always. The attention they give to every individual is really amazing.

Sri Kovai Mani (Mridhangam - our Guru), Myself, Smt Parvathi Mani (Our Guru), My brother Sriraj and Smt Krishnaveni (Violin)

Now coming back to the extravaganza, we spend two days completely in the hall. We start with Ganapathy homam on the Saturday morning, followed by lunch. Early in the evening the tiny tots capture the stage. As the evening progresses, people who have come from other cities get their chance. At the end, there is a great dinner. The second day again starts with a small prayer followed by a special Layanayam (This part of the programme normally steals the entire show). Again the tiny tots start the evening session, followed by the most awaited seniors (experienced and talented singers and mridhangists). The two day event comes to an end with a superb dinner followed by ice-cream. (Singers eating ice cream together is not a very common sight. It is actually prohibited for the rest 364 days.)

Not a single person will have the mind to leave the place or get back to work. Normally When we go back, our minds are still listening to the tunes and beats.

p.s:- Recreation is something that we need to get our minds away from normal life and relax. Fun and enjoyment is something we experience when we are involved in something that we like. This is the best way of recreation I have experienced. The energy gained in this event lasts longer and makes me wait for the next year to come.