Christmas is here. It's a season of carols, cakes and merriment - and it is all happening. Fifteen days back, there appeared at the Galleria lobby (the building where I work), a decorated tree with lights and all that, replete with presents, bells, trinkets and sundry adornments. Candles glow in the backdrop of an artificial cascade, as a pianist is at work producing strains after mirthful strains, giving a classic touch to the proceedings...No Santa yet, and no snow here, but festivity is in the air! I meditated on what this season is all about in our place - It is Margazhi - the Lord says, "Of all months, I am Margazhi ". It is in this biting cold that we used to wake up at ungodly hours, bathe in cold Siruvani water, and join the troupe of Bhajanai with Vichu Mama - I've always been in doubt: Is it Vichu mama or Pichu mama ? Just to be on the safer side, I say it with my lips folded as if to say 'Vi' but get out a 'Pi' (or the oth
...of the cousins, by the cousins, and for the cousins under the Tamarind tree