When Thiru Raghuraman and Thirumathi Jayanthi Raghuraman ,walked into
Kalyanamalai office on 21st March, they were all in smiles. They said
they are yet to come out from the spell of the dreamy marriage of their
daughter. The marriage facilitated by Athithi at Raghavendra Kalyanana
Mandapam, was held on 18th March 2013. They came to the office, to
personally thank Thiru Kalyanamalai Mohan and Thirumathi Meera
Nagarajan, for caring every aspect of their daughter’s marriage, to make
it a dreamy wedding.
We are glad to share the words expressed by them…
We had the pleasure of attending one of our close relatives marriage
organised by Athithi last year. The arrangements, tasty food served and
above all the caring influence of Athithi impressed all of us. That time
itself we all have decided to avail the services of Athithi for our
daughter’ marriage. That is what we did after performing the betrothal
of our daughter Sow Iswarya with Chi Arun, son of Thiru Ashoak and
Thirumathi Uma Ashoak. We immediately contacted Thiru Mohan and
Thirumathi Meera Nagarajan of Athithi, to engage them as our wedding
planner.
On their advice we fixed up the Ragavendra kalyana Mandapam at
Kodambakkam for 17th, 18th and 19th March. We totally left the other
marriage arrangements in the hands of Athithi. Every update from them on
the marriage arrangements has increased our interest. We started
longing for the ultimate day with dreams. On 16th March Meera Nagarajan
has sent us an SMS stating ‘You will not forget the next two days all
through your life and start dreaming about them from now on’. Yes our
dreams started unfolding one by one from the morning of 17th March.
Our surprises have started on the 17th morning with the playing of
Chendai Melam and floral welcome on the entry of the groom, his parents
and relatives into the mandapam. The chanting of Vedha Manthirams, by
the well learned shasthira Pandits,has brought in positive vibrations in
the hall. The elderly people from the girls as well as the boy’s side
just got immersed in the created vibrations.
In any marriage, normally it will be the elders who will always feel
neglected and will feel humiliated, when they don’t get the deserved
respect. But, Athithi took pain to take care of the elders from both
the sides, from the day one to the last day of Kattu sadham. It also
provided, separate menu for those who suffer from diabetic. Both the
acts earned kudos from every one and deserves separate mentioning.
When Thirumathi Meera suggested Iswaryam as theme for the marriage,
we blindly accepted it, without knowing much of its significance,
because, it matched with our daughters name. When we entered the
marriage venue on 17
th morning we saw the Ishwaryam Kolam
design blown into every aspect of the marriage. It was there every
where, including the coconut bags given to those attended the marriage.
The theme blended very nicely, with every aspect of the marriage
arrangement. The unique silver coin gift idea of Thirumathi Meera
Nagarajan depicting Goddess Mahalakshmi on one side and Iswarya Kolam
design on the other side immediately caught our interest. The coin given
in a nicely designed bag received rousing appreciation from every one.
All those who have received it, wanted to keep it in their pooja.
Another aspect noticed by all and liked by all was the regular change
in ‘paruppu thengai koodu’ color to match the saree color of the bride.
The four-wheel, two-horse driven chariot brought inside the mandapam
for Janavasam simply amazed every one. The flower umbrella used over the
groom’s Kasi Yathira procession showed us the enjoyable extreme of
Athithi’s imagination.
During the muhoortham every one present at the hall were given a
small cover containing akshathai. Over the cover the slokam blessing the
couple ‘Sarva mangala mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sathakey’ was printed to
facilitate every one to shower the akshathai on the couple by chanting
the manthiram. This unique and unseen arrangement again pleased every
one. Similarly a separate attendant who was posted at the parking area
assisted every one to park the cars without confusion.
It will be impossible for anyone who have enjoyed the culinary of
Athithi to describe it in one word such as good or very good. The
mouth-watering menu and the range of food items started right from the
morning Viratha tiffin, continued till the final Kattu sadham. It is
quite unbeleavable to find that except Idly, rice, dhal and ghee none of
the other food items were repeated in the menu during all the days.
Similarly, all the food items that were served in the first batch
continued and served even in the last batch without any miss. Television
fame Yugi Sethu , our relative, who was helping the guests in the food
court, called it unbelievable. Cinefame Director K Balachandar who came
for the Muhurtham relished the food served. Similarly the top officers
from TVS group and my friends from Hyderabad savoured the servings. I
relished the Appam Veg Stew and my wife still has the lingering taste of
Malpuva sweet in her mouth.
Every one appreciated, the way you have served a highly nutritious
food, by including the best of vegetables, fruits and lentils in the
menu expertly as a dietitian. Above all the warmheart shown by your
staff, during the serving of items, the hygienic way of serving by
wearing gloves, the sequence in serving the menu items and the way the
quantity of items required by everyone is met, is possible only for
Athithi. The silence maintained by your staff, while serving and their
willingness to meet even the exclusive requirements of individuals was
appreciated by every one.
The special facilities arranged for the aged, physically challenged
and children at every stage helped them to take part in the marriage
proceedings with satisfaction. Above all it is a gratifying fact to
mention that the highest quality of food served by you did not
discomfort any one.
Thiru Kalyanamalai Mohan has honoured us by his presence during
important marriage timings and by his individual enquiries at the dining
hall. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Sri Vijaya Bhaskar for managing the
proceedings during the other times.The receptionist girls arranged for
the marriage and the staff of Athithi have completed their
responsibilities with utmost patience and poise.
I would like to end this long letter with the opinion of our grand
mother Swarnambal Patti. She said ‘I have participated in over 1000
marriages during my life time and blessed the couple, but never seen a
marriage like that of your daughter. She further said that the marriage
of deities (Meenakshi Sundareswarer) who have adorned the marriage stage
was said to have taken place in Swargha and the marriage of your
daughter was held in Boologa swarga arranged by Athithi. The true words
came from the heart of the old lady, genuinely reflected every ones
feeling who have attended the marriage.
