The week end was one of the best in my life. A new experience.
We have a family friend Raj and Gowri who are my relatives too. Raj suggested on 21st November 08 that we must visit the IIT Campus for experiencing Thayambaka by Pallassana. It was part of the Ayyappan pooja. I happened to see Thayambaka long back. We instantly decided to go for this.
It was raining heavily in Chennai during the last week and most of the areas got filled with rain water. We were therefore not sure whether we can make it. However, to my surprise, Sunday was sunny and we started around 7.30pm as the schedule for Thayambaka was at 7.50pm. Raj and Gowri on one bike and I took the chance with their friend Jeethu's bike. We reached exactly at 7.50pm.
I curiously looked around. There were hardly 35 - 50 people around. It was a big surprise!!! We expected in hundreds. I was not sure whether Pallassana will make it for this kind of small function. There were no volunteers...... Cheer leaders...... Nothing. We felt the program was managed in a poor coordinated manner.
There is a Siva Temple inside IIT Campus where the Ayyappa Pooja was organised. We offered prayers and found a comfortable place to sit. It was at 8.30pm, Gowri told me "Jayamama, let us go as I need to make dinner". Lo...all gone!! Another surprise. Raj was sitting next to me but he acted as if he did not hear this. Raj was very keen to watch the program. I decided to check with one of the "Seniors" standing near the stage where a boring Ayyappa Bhajana was going on as to when the program will start. He told me that it will start any time. I returned to the cozy place but Gowri was loosing her patience. Finally, we decided to return without seeing the great Thayambaka.
However, Raj told that we will do the final Darshan. We reached the sannidhanam and there were two Poojaris talking each other. I and Raj took the courage and asked one of the Poojaris whether the Thayambaka will start. Poojari informed us that the team is having dinner and will be here any time. Raj did some eye contacts (usual sign languages) with Gowri. I understood ......... Raj saying.....be patient baby.....we wont get this chance again...Jeethu was a mute spectator. At 9.05pm,I found one guy bringing a chenda and keeping it on the stage. For a moment, I was happy but he disappeared. I and Raj searched for him and again checked with him as to when this program will start.........he told...."sir, it will start any time". Okay Gowri...be cool..........
There comes Pallassana and the Team. Three was no announcement OR introduction of this great living legend. Pallassana started the beat with his own style. We truly enjoyed every minute. But very few to watch and enjoy. No one to jump with excitement. No one to shower him with rupee notes. I felt sad. That was not at all keeping their spirits low. I observed, Raj was sitting and enjoying and Gowri was equally reminding that dinner is NOT READY by pinch and push. Anyway, it was a great moment in my life to see Pallassana very close and his great spirit. The program lasted for more than an hour and on closing, Pallassana just ran away from the scene. I ran behind him and expressed my gratitude. He happily received the same.
I had great expectation on this visit because the program was happening inside one of India's greatest educational institution. I hoped for people thronging in. Perhaps it will happen when IIT will organise concert of a famous band. I hoped for seeing organisers in colorful uniform and badges. Perhaps this will happen when the graduation ceremoney happens. I hoped for a better coordination and running the program professionally. And I hoped that the organisers will give a great respect to a learned inviditual. All this may happen when a politician reaches IIT.
All that I can say is that the Thayambaka will remain in mind always and that IIT guys can also be unorganised......
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