"ஊர் கூடி தேர் இழுத்தல்" is a phrase that I have heard many times. But, for the first time i got to witness it in great depth. Truly, it was an awesome experience.
I would like to present two thoughts that still resonating in my mind.
First thought is centered around the following images.
A musicians, leading in the front with all instruments energizing the team and crowd.
The people holding the rope (வடம் ) and pulling the cart to the front.
The enthusiasts with large wooden planks navigating the big cart well over pot holes and corners.
All of them working in tandem with precise sync to make bring the car to its final destination (நிலை).
Though there is a deity statue assigned responsibility (ஆவஹனம்) for guiding the car safely, the manifestation was a super-organism synchronized by the person with flag circled in the next image.
I would like to present two thoughts that still resonating in my mind.
First thought is centered around the following images.
The people holding the rope (வடம் ) and pulling the cart to the front.
The enthusiasts with large wooden planks navigating the big cart well over pot holes and corners.
All of them working in tandem with precise sync to make bring the car to its final destination (நிலை).Though there is a deity statue assigned responsibility (ஆவஹனம்) for guiding the car safely, the manifestation was a super-organism synchronized by the person with flag circled in the next image.
The super-organism had to plan its move for the next 5 meters and re-access.
No one individual was a subordinate or boss to another, they were united by the common goal to accomplish the goal. A true symbolization of how a team needs to perform.
Second thought was more a "Why?" question on the whole event.
On reflecting on the thought "ஊர் கூடி தேர் இழுத்தல்" phrase re-occurred. Yes, it was very obvious, any task that as big as a Car festival, requires the entire community to participate for completion. Occasions such as this, create a means for work together shelving their differences.
On completion of the big task, a natural happiness cloud sinks in, causing longevity of relationships.
Thousands of people thronged the streets of Mylapore, the last two days, one thing i found common across all of them. Everyone had a smile on their face. Awesome source of energy to sink in when you see all those smiles.
Wow !! our people had figured the way of living together.
Let's keep the smile going and pass it on :)
PS: Images from google search
- http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/grand-prelude-to-mylapores-biggest-festival/article3278347.ece
- http://aarbalaji.blogspot.in/2007/04/more-kapaleeswarar-festival-images.html
- Balaji Maheswarar
