Madras is the capital of Bharata Natyam. If you are in Madras during the months of December - January then you are in for a musical and dance extravaganza. During the Tamil month of Mazgazhi (December - January) there is a series of classical music concerts and classical dance performances in various parts of the city, but the best are organized in various Sabhas. You will see mostly older celebrities, although occasionally there will be some world-class young virtuosos, such as Medha Hari. The Concert calendar for 04-05 has just been published. Concerts are on at the following locations.

Brahma Gana Sabha, Sivagami Pethachi Auditorium, M.Ct.M School, 179, Luz Church Road, Chennai - 600004, Phone - 9282106425, 9841296684 (3rd december Art Festival), 3rd December 2004 - 2nd January 2005, Daily Rates Rs 50 to Rs 500.

Indian Institute of Music and Arts, R.K Swamy Auditorium, Shivaswamy Kalalaya, 5, Sundareswarar Street, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004, Phone - Not Available (Celebrations - Annual Music Festival), 19th December 2004 - 23rd December 2004, Daily Rates FREE.

Kartik Fine Arts, Narada Gana Sabha Hall, TTk Road, Chennai - 600018, Phone - 24997788, 24952695 (30th Year Art Festival), 2nd December 2004 - 1st January 2005, Free Admissions for 10am to 4 pm concerts. Concerts also at Kamaraj memorail Hall (14th December 2004), PSHS School (15th decemnber 2004 - 19th december 2004), Bharathia Vidya Bhavan Main Hall (16th December 2004 - 25th december 2005), Valliammal College for Women (26th december 2004 - 1st January 2005).

'Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, "Dr. Nalli Gana Vihar, 20. Maharajapuram Santhanam Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600017. Phone - 28140806 (The 49th Art and Dance Festival & Pongal Nagaswara Isai Vizha And the 24th Natya Kala Conference), 9th December 2004 - 16th January 2005, Daily Rates Rs 50 to Rs 500.

'Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, vani Mahal, 103, GN Chetty Road, T.Nagar, Chennai - 600017. Phone - 28152166 (The 25th Isai Iyal Nataka Vizha), 9th December 2004 - 31st December 2004, Daily Rates : Call, Free Admissions for 10am to 4 pm concerts.

During summers it becomes hot and humid to venture out during the day. So go out for a stroll during the night (8-10pm) on the Marina beach. It's a nice idea to pack dinner and have a picnic on the beach as most locals do. If you happen to drive a car you can also consider taking along a few foldable chairs.

Stroll along the over crowded Pondy Bazaar and Ranganathan Street and try your skills in bargaining for stuff and knick-knacks.