The month of Margazhi, which begins in the middle of December, is a time when Tamil Nadu is at its natural best. The summer sun is far away and light showers ensure that the weather remains pleasant. It is also the time when traditional Thiruppavai songs pierce the air, in devotion of the Gods.

The Thiruppavai songs came into being, when the Brahmin girl Andal sang the thirty stanzas in praise of the God Tirumal or Vishnu. The music which is part of the Vaishnava tradition, heralds the onset of peace, prosperity and Divine grace. Andal originally sang the piece in the assumed guise of a cowherd in these 30 verses. Though initially, it appears as if she is seeking to marry the God, for his everlasting company, by the end, she is simply praying to be taken into Vishnu or Tirumal's service, so that she can serve the God.

In the modern context, Thiruppavai songs can also be taken up in veneration of Lord Krishna, as MS Subbulakshmi does in her rendition of this music.

The first five stanzas - Margazhi Thingal, Vaiyathu Vazhvirgal, Ongi ulagalandha Utthmar peyar padi, Azhi mazhai kanna and Mayanai give the main theme of the music. The rest of the stanzas talk about community participation, her visit to the temple and praises of the God.

During Margazhi festivities, the Thiruppavai songs can often substitute the rendition of the Suprabhatam.

The Carnatic strain of music that is used in the rendition of Thiruppavai songs gives it a blend of devotion, musical grammar, rhythmic discipline and unpredictable experiences born from artistic improvisation.

While earlier, the Thiruppavai songs were available through public platforms where the singers performed in front of the audience, the times have changed now. Radio and TV are known to feature Thiruppavai songs. Lately, the music is also available in the form of Thiruppavai MP3 files which can be downloaded as per the user's convenience.