You cant miss the beats from miles away. A lot of it is happening in the immediate vicinity. But the bridge to the rest of it happens in memory.

Folklore adorns the main street as rural Madurai dances in ever so expansive ways. Bare chested with bells and whistles all over. Both in the adornments and in the ease of movement.

The Chithirai festival is here. There is a festivity in the air. There is dance & music. Not the choreographed staple that makes its staple on TV, but a rather authentic raw form. The steps don’t match all the time and the beats don’t rhyme.

But there is joy in the air. A gay abandon if you will. Of piety. Of culture and a spontaneous overflowing of happy energy. A new warp and weft to an old tradition.

It is such a treat to the senses. For it gives you a sense of culture and roots. It soothes the soul and renders a renewal of sorts. In each step and beat, a renewal to old memories and fresh dreams.