Kovil, Kolam, Kutcheris- Margazhi spreads its fragrance and flavour.

Margazhi sets a mood that is a delightful mix of spiritual, sober, and yet, full of hope and aspirations for what is in store as we stand on the threshold of Uttarayanam. I always associate Margazhi with the morning chillness, nagarasankeerthanam, listening to Tiruppavai, visiting temples, and bookmarking my favourite musician's concert at the local sabha.

Growing up, I heard many stories about why Margazhi assumes such importance. In Hindu culture, during the months between the summer and winter solstice, also known as Dakshinayanam, a spiritual seeker invests time and effort into sowing the seeds in his chosen path toward realizing higher consciousness.

Uttarayanam is the time of harvest. Not only in the literal sense of agriculture but also metaphorically. We reap the benefits of the spiritual sadhana we have undertaken. In Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamah waited for Uttarayanam before he decided to leave the mortal world. He was the epitome of a karma Yogi who believed in doing his duty selflessly, aiming to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In a sense, his entire life was a Sadhana.

Lord Krishna says, in the Bhagawat Gita, that He's Margazhi among all the months. Margazhi is the Brahma Muhurtam of the Gods, an auspicious time just before dawn or Uttarayanam. Worshipping the Supreme in Brahma Muhurtam is said to bring worldly and spiritual benefits. Margazhi or Danur Masam is when spiritual activities heighten as a crescendo; it's like reaching the peak after a challenging trek. It isn't easy, but it is worth it.

The hour before dawn is the darkest and coldest. However, the one that endures and perseveres gets rewarded amply. Often, we forget how far we have come. We give up because the darkest hour demoralizes us, without realizing that dawn is close; our efforts are about to fructify. Our tradition upholds this phase of strife through uplifting stories from Upanishads and Vedas. They teach us not to give up and believe in doing our duty.

The story of Andal, who composed the Tiruppavi in praise of Lord Krishna or Perumal, is well-known. Every Margazhi, we sing these 30 pasurams for each day of the month as a tribute to her and the very Lord to whom she dedicated her entire life. The story of Andal that culminated in her soul merging with the Lord is proof of Her devotion and her sadhana blossoming.

Margazhi is celebrated and offered toward worshipping the higher power in many delightful ways in Hindu tradition. Womenfolk wake up early morning and adorn their doorsteps with kolams. I have seen my grandmother draw such beautiful ones and have marvelled at the skill. Kolams or rangolis with rice flour is an exercise in concentration, calculation and creativity (the dots and lines combine to make symmetrical patterns, while the designs can be as simple or complex depending upon one's imagination). It can be highly meditative and therapeutic too.

Temples witness an increase in footfall around this time. Apart from the special poojas, they are abuzz with several cultural programs, Tiruppavai and Tiruvempavai, discourses on Vedantic philosophy and Upanishads, and annual festivities for the deities. The decadent prasadams are perhaps an unsaid reason for the increase in the number of devotees.

Margazhi and music have been inseparable buddies ever since I can remember. Chennai comes alive with its Margazhi Carnatic kutcheri season. Sabhas in every nook and corner of the city proudly display their itinerary choc-a-block with music concerts, dance, and drama, featuring the most sought-after artists and budding talents. It's such a tough decision to pick and choose your favourite ones because the choice is far too many.

What's your favourite part about Margazhi and why?