It was on November 2011 that I decided to show my son the magnificent event that takes place in the temple town Tiruvannamalai, my home town, the Karthigai Deepam festival.
Myself and my son (who is 10 years) boarded the bus on Dec. 3rd (Saturday) afternoon, to Tiruvannamalai, from Koyembedu Bus Terminus, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. As it was a week end and due the festival, the buses were over crowded but managed to get seat in the second in line bus. Reached home around 8 PM. Junior was very anxious to get out and see things. After refreshing, we ventured out. My son was getting exposed to such a crowd for the first time. I gave him enough hints before hand, though. He didn't complain. It was the 5th day of the festival, where Lord Shiva will be seated on Silver 'Rishba' (The Bull) vahanam. Enroute to the 'Mandapam', where the Lord will be carried by team of volunteers to be seated on 'The Bull', showed him various dance events that were being performed on the road. Though he didn't enjoy the events, he was curious to know whats going on here and wondering about the crowd. Reached somewhat a vantage point, though it was heavily crowded. My son was able to see, the way, the group of people carry The Lord to the top of the 'Vahanam'. They made 3 failed attempts and had to come down for a break. After about 15 minutes, the 'recharged' group of people tried with more energy and support from the drum (called as 'odal') players and conch blowers (though the conch blowing is something new that I didn't know). Finally they made it.
Beyond this my son couldn't stand so we had to return home.
