Masi Magam is a very important and auspicious festival in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Masi is a month of Tamilian calendar which falls in February-March according to Gregorian calendar. Magam is one of the twenty-seven constellations of Hindu astrology. Masi Magam combines the benefits of abundance and prosperity associated with the Full Moon and the majestic quality of the Magha star offering a unique opportunity to gain power and energy. Masi Magam is believed to be the most appropriate time to destroy our ego and surrender ourselves at the feet of the divine.

 

Here, in Project Otenga, we curate experiences that connect us to our ancient traditions. In collaboration with Kaniyammal and her daughter Vidya, we curated the stories and taste of Masi Magam Thiruvizha'

 

With workshops of Kolam making and Toran making, young girls to elderly women enthusiastically took part in learning these traditions. Learning had become fun as Mrs. Kanniyamal taught them joyously and explained the importance culturally and scientifically.

 

In our culture, rituals were designed to be carried on oral traditions. Kolam and Toran were rituals.

 

Kolam is an aesthetic ritual drawn using rice flour. It is a great combination of mathematical calculation and geometric patterns. Kolam comprises lines connecting the grid of dots and loops around it. Simple to complex patterns can be created by just joining the dots. Complex and big kolam drawings are made on occasions and festivals. In modern days, Kolam is also made using different colors and self-created patterns. It is widely prevalent in South Indian household to make Kolam every day in front of their houses. The decoration is not the only purpose of it, its symbolism of welcome. Kolam is drawn in the early morning, before sunrise, after sweeping and washing the front yard. So women while drawing can breath fresh air and see the sunrise. In olden days, it used to be drawn with coarse rice flour, which ants, insects or sometimes birds can feed upon. While making, one has to sit firm on feet, bending towards the ground, helps stimulating body movements. In the kolam patterns are derived from magical motifs and abstract designs blended with philosophic and religious motifs which have been mingled together, and are believed to be welcoming and destroying evil.

 

Toran from mango leaves has their significance in Indian culture. The mango tree is believed to be one of the most sacred trees in India. Toran made from its leaves is hung on the entrance doors of houses. It symbolizes love and welcomes goddess Mahalakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. In Vedic scriptures, the toran is believed to ward off the evil spirits and negative energy entering the house.

 

Nithya and Vishnu made the evening more beautiful by their Carnatic classical music performances. While Nithya performed traditional Tamil songs and Vishnu explained the different ragas and their relation to the different segments(Prahar) of the day and their effects on our daily routine. It was fascinating to know that the ragas can change our mood, enhance our work-efficiency and can even heal illnesses!

 

Indulgence of snacks Uppu Urundai with Filter Kapee and Fennel Tea made the cultural evening more experiential as people enjoyed them with the Carnatic Music. The evening got completed with the traditional Tamil dinner served on plankton leaf.​