At 387, city turns up the spirit at The Hindu’s Made of Chennai festival

In the city of Chennai, the spirit of its 387th birthday was celebrated in a unique manner through the Made of Chennai festival held at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam on August 29. The event marked the city's rich history and vibrant culture through a blend of food, music, and traditional games.

The festival began with a relaxed evening of DJ sets and food stalls, which gradually evolved into a more impactful performance by various musical artists like Paal Dabba, Anthony Daasan, Rita Daasan, and the pop-rock band Makka. However, it was Chinmayi’s eclectic and cross-lingual performance that truly resonated with the crowd, evoking a sense of homecoming.

The festival also featured a game zone, which brought back nostalgic games like pallanguzhi, nondi, snakes and ladders, bowling, ludo, tic-tac-toe, and jenga. This addition aimed to draw the crowd away from their virtual worlds and back into the real world around them.

The food stalls offered a diverse range of dishes, from Chennai classics like Murugan Idli and Tibb’s Frankie to newer favorites such as Ciclo, Oye Hoye, Bien Butter, Ricky’s Cookies, and Kulfiwallah. The festival also showcased a variety of Iftar fare, including offerings from Habibi’s Iftar snacks, Mannady’s Nombu Kanji, and Al Noor Café.

This annual event has become a tradition for a group of people from the crowd who are part of the city’s ultimate frisbee club. Dancing at Made of Chennai has become a memorable experience for them, offering a break from their busy schedules and an opportunity for reminiscence.

By the end of the evening, it was evident that Chennai had once again proven itself as the city with the most authentic festival spirit, undiminished at 387 and counting.