It’s the time of the year that music, dance, and fine art lovers look forward to. It’s the season of happiness, ecstasy and positivity that serenades the air around you.

All you’ve got to do is take effort to experience it, at least once in your lifetime. I can assure you that it won’t be your last tryst with Chennai’s famous December Season.  

The most wonderful part about it is the variety. Be it music ( vocal/instrumental), dance, theatre, or workshops on either of these, you have the option of choosing what you like best. You might find this hard to believe, but there are around 100- 150 “kutcheris”, dance performances and more, happening every single day, right from 7 am to 9 pm.  Most are free, while some are ticketed. And they happen all around Chennai. What more could you ask for?

You may not be a fan of Carnatic music, or you might even wonder how a person can sing or dance for two or three hours at a stretch. I completely understand your feelings, especially if you’re the kind who’ll fall asleep at the drop of a hat. The perfect solution for this, is to tag along with one of your friends who’s an avid music or dance enthusiast. You might just be in for a surprise when you discover a WHOLE NEW FACE of Chennai.

You might find this hard to believe, but there are around 100- 150 “kutcheris”, dance performances and more, happening every single day, right from 7 am to 9 pm. Most are free, while some are ticketed.

The environment will make you wonder if you’ve landed on a different planet.  Especially listening to those youthful maamis in Kanjeevaram sarees and their supportive husbands scream “ Sabash”, “Aha”, “Bale”, or shoot out names of ragams like answering the rapid fire round of a quiz! But very soon, you’ll find yourself wanting to learn more, see more, and understand more.

Sometimes you might find quite a few foreigners among the audience too. Yes, people do fly in from the U.S., Europe, and from all over India to listen to young talents and great stalwarts.  Moreover, it’s an amazing opportunity to make friends. (Mostly of the age group 40-80!)

And if you happen to be a foodie, be prepared to indulge in the best of South Indian cuisine. Most sabhas have some out-of-the-world canteens that serve hot dosas, idlis and vadas with a mouth watering sambar!

The other day, I went in late for a ticketed concert, which was completely booked. Determined to hear this famous singer at any cost, I found myself paying a meagre amount to sit on the stage with the singer, in an auditorium filled with 1500 people. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I came out wondering why the stage ticket wasn’t more expensive than the rest.

I’m not writing to advertise for the million sabhas and the million singers who’re singing every Margazhi. I’m just another engineer, who finds music exhilarating. This year, I’ve even made a resolution to go for one kutcheri everyday. I’ve been following it, so far.

You needn’t be as crazy as me, but do try to be patient enough to go for one concert this season. You might just have the best time of your life.