Getting up fairly early in the morning so that we could bathe, have our breakfast, and go to the hall in time, we felt fairly fresh. Unlike Kanchipuram, we did get cold water from one of the taps. But the heat was so much that it turned to lukewarm and decidedly warmer in a few seconds. But with all that perspiration that had constantly, relentlessly, and regularly attacked us, whatever the temperature of the water, we needed, desired, and wanted a bath. The breakfast in air-conditioned comfort was tasty. Having been used to food restrictions like low-carb, low-fat, and low-spice, I let everything go and indulged myself in whatever was given.

These days, I prefer to wear a simple short kurta with the dhoti for such functions. Made of cotton and very thin and so comfortable. In a rash mood of mine, I chose to wear a shirt not knowing it was made of silk. And out we went into the baking sun, sweating bodies, the undulating road, and the various ramps and steps, and rushed to sit beside the hot-air-giving air cooler. Then the electrolyte-giving nephew looked quizzically and asked me why I was wearing a silk shirt. What do I know about color or material? Whatever I had, I had worn. No going back now.

The function went well as per the customs and traditions with all the relatives presents.

In spite of warnings from relatives and my wife, I asked my wife to take me to the temple. There was an unbelievable crowd and not moving in any regulated order. It was a blind walk for me. I managed up to the Goddess’s temple and had a sudden severe attack of sweating. So, for the main deity, I had to pray from the Dwaja Sthambam and satisfy myself.

The check-out time was 2.30 p.m. A brief rest and then the elaborate lunch in, again, air-conditioned comfort. A quick bath and all of us were back in the van heading back. Not exactly as exciting as the onward journey since all were tired.

And back to sweet home by midnight.

In spite of whatever distress, you feel, there is an ultimate satisfaction and happiness in attending such family functions and above all, visiting the temples.

This trip has also given me the confidence that I can venture out now to a little far-off place too.

Continued in 286 - Moving Models - Part 1