Sunday 21 April 2019

“Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame”

On the auspicious of Sri Rama Navami and Tamil New Year, The Mylapore Trio, Sugathan, Smt. Revathy Sankkaran and Members of Sri Sumuhki Rajasekhran Memorial Foundation, Mylapore, organized a special Thematic Programme “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame” on Sunday, 14th April 2019. The grand event was hosted by Sugathan and his family at the Mottamaadi of his flat in Thiruvanmiyur. The Function began with an introduction by Amarnath, Surendranath gave the significance of the divine wedding, Aparna mentioned the contribution and offerings made by the Foundation Members to this auspicious function.
The venue was colorfully and aesthetically decorated with red, mango yellow and green sarees draped as backdrop, bright thomabais, maayilais, thoranams added flavor to it, huge and beautifully carved temple lamps were placed all over including hanging thoonga vilkkus on either side. A traditional Oonjal with conventional chains was hanging at the center in which a beautiful and striking 4ft standing Rama and Sita (Fibre doll) was placed – the divine couple, the posture of both Rama and Sita was unusual and passionate. As Surendranath mentioned that, the Trio first placed this lovely and stunning doll at the Srirangam Temple Golu in 2014 and now it is on the Kalyana Mandap as the presiding divine couple.
The programme began with an “Anthem” on the Foundation written and sung by Smt. Revathy Sankkaran, which, for the first time was officially rendered. This was followed by a talk on Sri Rama avatar from birth to Kalyanam by her, which had lot information.
The Mylapore Trio and Sugathan performed the Mangalya Dharanam – Sita Rama Kalyanam by tying the sacred knot while Smt. Revathy sang a song penned by herself to signify the sacred moment. Traditional Maalai maatrudhal for a small size 80 year old antique Rama And Sita doll and Oonjal was performed by Sugathan and his Sister Swathy accompanied by Aparna and Yogesh. The very divine function was concluded by Kummi by all members of the Foundation both Women and Children and finally Mangala Aarathi was performed. As a part of the 11th year “Motamaadi Nilaa Cutchery”, some Women and Children of the Foundation sang songs on Rama and Sita including “Sita Kalyana Vaibhogame”.
As per their sentiments, few Foundation Members volunteered & contributed their might as an offering to the Sita Rama Kalyanam. Smt. Ravibala and Smt. Sivabala offered Seer varisai which included, Thanga Thirumangalyam, 9/5 mayilkann Pattu Veshti, 9 yards Pattu Saree, different varities of Seer Varisais of Bakshanams were tastefully arranged which included Kai Murruku, Athirasam, Mysore Paak, Thenkuzhal, laddus and the traditional Bhoondhi ParuppuThengai Koodus, TherattiPaal, Dry Fruits, apart from various Fruits and Flowers.
The “Nilaa Saapadu” A very Traditional Dinner of Chitraannam was served to all as Maha Prasaadham by Smt. Gayatri. This included Sakkarai Pongal, Puliyan Saadham, Karuveppilai Saadham, Sambhar Saadham, Thayir Saadham, UrulaiKizhangu Curry, Vadaam Vattal, Thayir Vadai, Puliinji and cut Manga Oorugai.
The 80 strong people were all given away with the Traditional Thambulam which consisted of Vettrilai Paaku, Thengaai, Manjal Munkumam, Thaali Saradu, Ramar Picure with magnet attached, Sundarakaandam Slokam and Seer Murukku and Athirasam apart from Blouse bits for women. The Devotees were earlier served with Paangam and Neermore to quench their thirst, along with Kalatha Paruppu with cut vegetables – Ramanavami Special. All these were contributed by Smt. Bharathi as sentiment.
The Highlight of the event was all the members and parents presented themselves in silk sarees of various spectrum of colours as a uniform, which was gifted to them by the Mylapore Trio, Sugathan and Yogesh Sundaram, exclusively for the Kalyanavaibhogam.
The Kalyanam was attended by all Foundation members and their families, the residents of Sugathan’s flat who all joined and had a very nice evening with typical chatting, playing, busy working, eating, singing the archetypal ingredients of a wedding. The “Vikari” Tamizh New Year started for all of us with an auspicious beginning -“Sita Rama Kalyana Vaibhogame”.