Vidamu Seyave (Karaharapriya)   'This tamboola (betels with arecanut, cardomom and nutmeg) is for you.  Pray accept as if it is given by Devi Sita.  Lakshman holds out gem-studded spittoon.  Pray, fail me not.'  Rama is in reclining posture evidently after a lunch.  Tyagaraja is figuratively shown in the garb of a maid.

The sabha was started in 1944, which was the period of evacuation in Madras. Chitoor Nagaiah (film actor) realising that people were traveling in heavy rains upto Mylapore from T.Nagar to listen to GNB's kutcheri, felt that a sabha was a must in T.Nagar area for the carnatic music lovers. Thus was born the sabha. Initially, kutcheris were held in a thatched shed, but very soon had a permanent premises. The first performance was by Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar accompanied by Chowdiah on the violin and Palghat Mani Iyer on mridangam.

In 1959, in order to raise funds, a drama festival for a period of 16 days was held. To date the Laksharchana (that was performed then to raise funds) for Lord Venkateswara is held in December. The sabha became popular due to the several religious discourses by various eminent persons such as Embar Vijayaragavachariar, Kripananda Variar, Sivananda Vijayalakshmi and several others.

The sabha has 550 members. The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in 1995. There is a dramatic wing, where several dramas have been staged. Vani Mahal received the 'Best Auditorium Award' from the Tamilnadu Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram in 1981, the 'Special Medallion for Fine Arts' in 1983 and the 'Best non-AC Auditorium Award' by the Mylapore Academy in 1995.

Vani Mahal, 103, G.N. Road, T.Nagar, Chennai-17
Ph: 28152166
e-mail: events@vanimahal.com
www.vanimahal.com