Chennai: Colourful and absorbing malars

Chennai: Deepavali is not only celebrated with new dress, sweets and crackers but also with special editions aka malars brought out by various publications. They continue to woo readers even now.

Amuthusurabhi:  The special edition has a variety of articles on ancient and contemporary literature, travel pieces, specials on spirituality and arts, short stories, poetry and topical pieces.  Articles on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,  significance of Tirukkural, pioneer playwright Rasavathy’s life and PVR’s story plots  and heroines,  interview with well-known astrologer

A. M. Rajagopalan and travel piece on the trail of the Ganga are worth amention. Tiruppur Krishnan’s cover story on Anusaya’s penance to adorn Goddess Lakshmi with jewels is fascinating.  A special on multi-faceted film artiste Javar Seetharaman by V. Ramamurthy will interest movie buffs.  Specials on eminent novelist of 192-30s Vaduvur K. Duraisamy Iyengar, temple chariots, significance of translation and a nostalgic piece by popular yesteryear singer C. S. Jayaraman’s daughter enhance the malar’s beauty.  A comparison between Vallalar and Gandhi  also draws readers’ attention.

Kalki: The cover portraying Lord Krishna with Sathayabama by artist Kesav is topical and marks the festive occasion. Dushyanth Sridhar narrates the special characteristics of Sathyabama and the role she played  in Krishna’s life especially during his battle with Narakasura.  Kalki’s story with Veda’s illustrations makes one nostalgic.  Theertha yathirai articles focusing on rivers Cauvery, Thamirabarani, Godavari and Narmada are informative.  Besides short stories by eminent writers, articles on Srivilliputhur, interviews with artist Paruthi Gnanam and actor Vijay Sethupathi add colour.   There is also   a noteworthy piece on birds referred to Sangam literature and also by Andal.  Dharasuram’s architectural marvel with photos remind one of Cholas’ rich contribution.  Yet another piece on life and times of veteran film artist and singer late K.B Sundarambal is interesting. Growing influence of robots is highlighted.  A piece capturing the mood of a TV serial shooting spot arouses curiosity.

Gopura Darisanam: The malar’s content is predominantly spiritual. It has three specials on Lord Krishna. Sudha Seshayyan’s piece on Sabari’s love and devotion towards Rama and Kanchi Maha Periyava’s special on worship of Goddess are engrossing.  Articles on Srirangam’s Vellai gopuram,   Manavala Mamunigal, Thiru Vi Ka, ‘divine doctor’ Hanuman, Appayya Dikshitar, Sundaranar  and Chandrasekara Azad are among the thought-provoking pieces. Several temples like those in Meenjur and Narasingampettai are featured elaborately.