The Hindu Holds Made of Chennai Festival to Mark City’s 387th Anniversary
The Hindu hosted the Made of Chennai food and music festival at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam on Saturday, August 29, commemorating 387 years since the founding of Madras. The gathering brought together attendees through an eclectic mix of musical performances, culinary offerings, and interactive games.
What Happened
The cultural celebration commenced at 4 p.m. with DJ sets alongside food stalls positioned across the perimeter of the YMCA Grounds. Over the course of the evening, the event featured musical acts across several genres, including performances by Paal Dabba, pop-rock outfit Makka, and Anthony Daasan, who performed alongside his wife, Rita.
Playback singer Chinmayi served as the evening’s show-stopper, delivering an eclectic, cross-lingual set that resonated strongly with attendees. Musical group Vihara presented a fusion of Carnatic and retro-rock sounds, while compositions associated with Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman were also featured during the musical showcases.
Beyond music, the festival included a dedicated game zone intended to encourage in-person engagement away from digital screens. Attendees participated in traditional games such as pallanguzhi and nondi (hopscotch), alongside popular board and party games including snakes and ladders, ludo, jenga, bowling, and tic-tac-toe. Local groups, including members of the city’s ultimate frisbee club, gathered at the venue, continuing an ongoing annual tradition of dancing and gathering at the event.
Key Highlights
- Historical Milestone: The event marked 387 years since the founding of the city of Madras.
- Live Stage Performances: Sets included appearances by Chinmayi, Anthony Daasan with Rita, Paal Dabba, and the band Makka, alongside Carnatic and retro-rock sets by band Vihara.
- Culinary Spread: Food offerings spanned traditional staples and newer additions, including Murugan Idli, Tibb’s Frankie, Ciclo, Oye Hoye, Bien Butter, Ricky’s Cookies, and Kulfiwallah.
- Speciality Stalls: The culinary lineup incorporated an Iftar fare showcase featuring Mannady’s Nombu Kanji, Habibi’s Iftar snacks, and selections from Al Noor Café.
- Interactive Games: Traditional games like pallanguzhi and nondi were featured alongside ludo, jenga, and snakes and ladders to engage visitors offline.
Why This Matters
The festival serves as a cultural marker for Chennai’s civic heritage, reflecting the evolution of the city across 387 years. By pairing traditional South Indian games and regional foods with contemporary bands and varied culinary influences, the event reflects Chennai’s diverse cultural and community life.
What to Watch Next
The festival concluded its scheduled performances and culinary showcase on Saturday evening. Further event announcements or future editions remain dependent on communications from the event organizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Made of Chennai festival held?
The festival took place at the YMCA Grounds located in Nandanam, Chennai.
What milestone was being celebrated at the event?
The festival marked 387 years since Madras came into existence.
Which artists performed during the evening?
Featured performers included playback singer Chinmayi, Anthony Daasan and his wife Rita, Paal Dabba, band Makka, and band Vihara.
Source: Reported by The Hindu.