Summers That Still Linger in Memory

Summer in Tamil Nadu is no longer just associated with holidays and mangoes. Increasing heat waves, intense coastal humidity, decreasing green cover and developing concrete structures have turned the season into a period of discomfort and health concerns for people. Additionally, trapped heat in the city causes heat exhaustion and heatstroke and disrupts daily life, causing Chennaiites to approach summer with increasing discontent.

This columnist, who went to her cousin’s house in Besant Nagar a few days ago, was surprised to see her elderly aunt enjoying playing Thayam, one of TN’s most popular and indigenous games, emphasizing mathematics, strategy and agility. He spent some time playing games with her, reliving memories of summer holidays from decades ago. Games like Thayam and Pallanguzhi, passed down through generations, still remain popular in homes with grandparents. In those days, during the month-long summer holidays, this columnist used to stay at his grandfather’s house in Tindivanam. Playing Nondi, Kallangal and Kannamoochi, trying his luck at bambaram (spinning top) and chatting with his friends there for hours was the summer bliss he looked forward to every year.

And now, when he looks out the window of his flat in Chennai, he sees children playing board games, playing cricket and chatting with friends. For them, summer means vacation and fun, as it did for this columnist many years ago. The only difference is that most no longer play the native games that once defined childhood summers. Plus, summers meant eating whole ripe juicy mangoes instead of chopped pieces.

This columnist also reminds us of William Shakespeare’s play Midsummer Night’s Dream, which continues to influence audiences across generations through theatrical, literary and film adaptations. Films like Meiyazhagan, Kalavani, Vaagai Soodava, Paiyya and Katrathu Tamil were successful due to their association with summer. The song Veyilodu Vilaiyadi Veyilodu Uravaadi Veyilodu Mallu Katti Aattam Pottoamae from the movie Veyil captured the perfect summary of TN summer with all its vibrant colors.

As Agni Natchathiram ends on Thursday, the heat that persists until the end of June is enough to trigger nostalgic and random memories of summers past.