The Hindu-Tamil
This bouquet is different in its range and content. Carefully selected write-ups deal with a wide range of subjects from art and architecture to cinema. ‘Tamil Aborigines’ is as a series of short informative articles. Art has been themed to feature distinct styles. How was Deepavali during the Moghul period? It was celebrated grandly by the rulers and was a occasion for communal unity, says an article. Industry looks at how places have become hubs of certain occupations. The cinema section pays tribute to women. Sridevi, Kushboo, Simran, Revathy, Sripriya and Saritha are some of the actors among the 20th century heroines. Of course there are short stories to complete the list. ₹150.
Kalaimagal
The cover is veteran artist Veda’s divine portrait of golden Annapoorani — with the Ganga and temple towers of Kasi etched in the background. One of the few magazines to maintain the tradition of Deepavali Malar, Kalaimagal’s offering is an eminently readable mix of articles, short stories and photo essays. The editor, Kizhambur Sankarasubramanian takes readers on a tour of Varanasi. Also he has interviewed Sri Bharati Tirtha Swamigal and Sri Vidusekhara Tirtha Swamigal — Pitadipatis of Sringeri Sarada Pitam. Articles on the Tamil literary giants, the history of Sri Lanka and a colourful spread of Nallur Kandasamy temple enrich knowledge. A pen portrait of actor Vijay Sethupati by Major Dasan provides the cinema quotient for this Malar, priced at ₹150.
Sri Sai Margam
This Deepavali special edition has been conceived in tune with the centenary of Sri Shirdi Sai’s Mahasamadi, which concluded last month, on Vijayadasami. The 3D image of the serene face of green Sai adorns the cover of the issue, which has articles covering all aspects of Sai, the powerful mystic, whose magic has not waned a century after his passing. The miracles he performed, the salient features of his philosophy are all covered besides the celebration of the centenary at various temples. Devotees of Sai share their experiences. In the reprint of an interview (1976) with Baba’s contemporary, who lived in Shirdi and had seen Sai, describes the movements of Baba on his last day. As a bonus comes a digest of the famous Sai Satcharitra , Sai Baba’s life and how he transformed Shirdi. Ardent devotee Revathi Balu encapsulates the narration of Hemat Pant in 21 crisp chapters. Price ₹100.
Ananda Vikatan
Coming with a strong film flavour, the edition turns the spotlight on Samantha, Amala Paul, Mari Selvaraj, yesteryear actor Vijayakumari and so on. Small Screen garners space, notable being a chat with Gopinath and a meeting with Supersingers. The mega serial Vael Paari recently crossed 100 episodes and the magazine celebrated it. In an interview, author S. Venkatesan talks about dealing with the Sangam period hero, seeing him through poet Kabilar’s eyes etc. For artist Maniam Selvan, it has been a unique experience. The importance given to Nature has brought him close to the characters, he says. Peppered with jokes and poems, the special has something for everyone. ₹150
Gopura Darisanam
High in spiritual content, the articles deal with the subject from different angles. The cover story is by Tiruppur Krishnan. Velukkudi Krishnan Swamigal explains why Kannan is delighted when addressed as “Vaasudeva.” Mahaswamigal’s discourse on Ambal, extols the Mother. Details of temples, less written about, add interest. The specialities of Dilruba, a travelogue on Myanmar, veteran auditor G. Narayanaswamy’s reminiscences of his association with Rajaji, etc., bring variety to the special. ₹150
Bhavan’s Special
The Deepavali edition of Bhavan’s Journal celebrates the Festival of Lights with articles on varied subjects, which hold a mirror to the Nation of Diversity called India. Starting on a positive note, the first few articles are pegged on happiness — first what is happiness and how to achieve that mental state. Health comes next with the narrative including Indian medicine, modern system and the need for self-discipline to stay healthy. What is Freedom and how is it gauged? The article introduces the reader to the concept of sahisnutvam or accommodating others. Cultivating the ability to accept people as they are liberates the mind from anger and stress. A reprint of Dr. Shantilal Mehta’s article on medical ethics shows much of what he said then is relevant today. A fascinating account is about the Narmada parikrama by Capt. K.K. Venkatraman in 1987-88. A short story of K.M. Munshi is also featured in the handy volume published by this culture icon of the country. ₹30
