Another Vidaiyatri event. Reach at about 730pm. The pallakku is out by the gate. The mutthus of the mutthupallakku are now just painted gemstones, not studded. Maybe the serial lights count?
Deeparadhanai followed by the emergence of Rama, regal as ever, from his chamber. Sita and Lakshmana on his sides have mutthus embedded on their necklaces. One round of the temple prakara, and out the gates into the pallakku. Another Deeparadhanai upon mounting followed by a long stay before the temple gates for devotees to seek blessings. This was perhaps the longest pause of the purappadu (though it’s even before the vehicle has purappad[ed]!).
Meanwhile the special Nadaswaram team came from (Kolapakkam, SW Chennai).
They were sublime. Playing at the front of the pallakku while it stood before the temple. Or maybe we can theorise that the pallakku did not move until the Nadaswaram team finished with their piece which had everyone rapt! This was a concert in the street, no bookings or tickets needed.
While this was at the front of the pallakku, another independent bhajanai group appeared at the rear – singing and dancing, and with a vilakku of their own. That was music of an entirely different character and tone. But for the pallakku in between, it would have been discord.
People along the way paid as much respect to the nadaswaram players up front as to the bhajanai group at the back–offering money, seeking blessings and generally approaching them with folded hands. Both groups of artists were very gracious, and acknowledged us and our attentions warmly. The dancing thatha in the bhajanai group called us over for blessings!