This issue is dedicated to the myriads myths and moments of Indian festivals, especially, Deepavali. While VSRK highlights the ‘Aesthetic View of Our Festivals’, P.N. Santhanagopal (Bhavan’s director) presents an overview of the significance of vratas (fasts) and utsavas (festivals) in our social fabric.
There are a quite a few articles which look at the flip side of festivals and talk about the thin line that divides faith and religion. Special travel features of trips to Kedarnath and Badrinath add variety. So does a personal piece on that amazing scientific man, Homi Bhabha, by Dinesh K. Daftary, former consultant, TIFR.
Then there are pieces which spotlight the significance of the festivals of Tirumala, Attukal Pongala and Thiruvathira, besides ones on Durga Puja and Makara Sankranti.
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The regular features such as Valmiki Ramayana, Sage Speak, Reader.com, Bhavan’s News and Flashback make up the rest of the pages. Packed with information, this issue makes for interesting reading.
DINAKARAN
The compact volume has a bit of everything, from cinema to cuisine, interspersed with short stories and poems. Agriculture and industry are not left out either. The smiling image of Pazhani Muruga in regal resplendence is always a delight to watch. The volume (Rs 130) has that and more pictures accompanied by interesting information. What is Deepavali special without sweets? Some traditional recipes should engage the attention of the kitchen enthusiast.
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KALKI
Suki Sivam’s analysis of Draupadi’s character, her faith in Krishna is easily the highlight of this volume (Rs. 120). Padmavasan’s painting on the cover that supports the article arrests the reader. Of high literary value are the Pillaithamizh essays. Exclusive pages for Mangaiyar Malar and Gokulam live up to the expectations readers have for Kalki. Short stories, poems and essays complete the list.
BABAJI SIDDAR ANMIKAM
The special edition of Babaji Siddar Anmikam is a treat for the spiritually-inclined. The highly informative volume is packed with articles on subjects related to philosophy, religious concepts and so on. There is copious material for lovers of literature too. Places hitherto not written about are featured. For instance, Muruga temple of Thorana Malai. Rare piece is a meeting with mural artist Natanam. From Paramacharya and Babaji to Gnananda and Vivekananda, the special celebrates the Guru. Price: Rs. 120.
THE HINDU
The tastefully strung pages come alive with visuals and photographs well chosen. In fact aesthetics is the high point of this volume (Rs. 120) that has a liberal sprinkling of Keshav’s stunning Krishna paintings. Manadil Pathinta Mugangal (Faces that made an impression) is an offbeat series of cameos.
Manohar Devdas’s black and white vignettes of Madurai make a beautiful contrast. Essays touching on various areas and interviews dot this eminently readable journal.
SAVITHA GAUTAM & GEETHA VENKATARAMANAN