4 months ago
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Mandaveli, Chennai: On January 11, Mandaveli Raja Street exploded into heartwarming puffs of extravagant colours, defined by contented and redefined by modern sensibilities. Its Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) erstwhile again honoured its promise, conducing the overmuch awaited yearly theme-based kolam contention alongside the Pongal festival. What made this variation riveting was the greater situation tossed to participants successful the signifier of a alternatively antithetic taxable — “Media World” (ஊடக உலகு). The neighbourhood transformed into a vibrant hub of creation and culture, with residents and guests joining hands to observe unity and creativity.
It was a monolithic assemblage gathering. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The champion for saved for the last: the Kolam contention ushered successful the vesper shadows. Participants were challenged to picture the power of media connected nine done intricate rangolis. The contention was divided into 3 categories: Category A for Raja Street residents, Category B for impermanent teams from crossed Chennai, and Category C for children. A full of 20 teams participated, including 8 impermanent teams from Avadi, Madhavaram, K.K. Nagar, Ramapuram, Mylapore and Mandaveli. Six enthusiastic children’s teams besides joined, with 1 subordinate from adjacent R.K. Nagar, proving that the younger procreation was arsenic anxious to stamp societal messaging with eye-catching art.
The engagement levels were sustained done the day. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Intermittent rains added a twist to the proceedings, but the organisers swiftly shifted the venue to the Dwaraka Apartments’ parking lot, which soon resembled a colourful creation gallery. Some participants braved the drizzle and continued connected the street, adding charm and resilience to the festival atmosphere. A distinguished sheet of judges — Kala Raghu, Dr. Lavanya, and Aparna Ganesh, each experts successful kolam and creation — evaluated the entries.
In Category A, Team Akai led by Radhika Santhosh secured archetypal place, followed by Team Kavitha led by Sharmila and Team Thrishul led by Shameem. In Category B, impermanent teams shone brightly, with Team Kola Chitram led by Revathy from K.K. Nagar winning archetypal place, Team Spark Squad led by Indra Baskaran from Madhavaram taking second, and Team Malar led by Parameshwari from Ramapuram finishing third. Cash prizes were awarded to winners successful Categories A and B, portion each the 21 children were declared winners and received gifts, ensuring that each young subordinate went location with joy.
The festival drew visitors from neighbouring RWAs and areas specified arsenic R.A. Puram, Mylapore, Greenways Road, MRC Nagar, and Mandaveli. The lawsuit was made imaginable by generous enactment from Kauvery Hospital, Aapti Gardens, NAC and the large-hearted residents of Raja Street. Kauvery Hospital acceptable up a wellness stall offering escaped humor unit and sweetener checks, with an exigency conveyance connected standby, blending wellness consciousness with celebration.
Prize-winning kolams.
Adding to the festive flavour, an taste Paati Kadai astatine Kanthi Illam served accepted delicacies specified as kozhakattai, thenga maanga pattani sundal, sakkara velli kazhangu nnai podi idly, panagam, thenga vellam pori and sukku kaapi.
A sugarcane foodstuff instrumentality delighted visitors, while pongal and paanagam were distributed successful eco-friendly dhonnais and cups, reinforcing sustainability.
The taste conception was arsenic captivating.
The main guest, Dr. Vasudha Rajasekhar, inaugurated the performances. Highlights included a lively Kummi Dance by women, a spirited Silambam show by 10-year-old Akhil Aaryav of Raja Street and a nostalgic Tholppavai Puppet Show by creator Muthuchandran from Kanyakumari, which transported audiences to the charm of colony theatres.
Post prize distribution, residents joined successful accepted games specified arsenic Tug of War and the thrilling Uri Adi, wherever astonishment gifts hidden successful pots added to the excitement. Winners walked distant with sugarcane, currency prizes and adjacent coupons for Orange Mithai from Paati Kadai.
As the evening drew to a close, the thoroughfare echoed with heartfelt wishes of “Happy Pongal.” The lawsuit beautifully blended art, tradition, wellness and assemblage bonding, leaving residents with cherished memories and reaffirming the tone of unity that defines Raja Street.
(Ganga Sridhar who wrote this nonfiction for The Hindu Downtown is simply a long-time nonmigratory of Mandaveli Raja Street. She is simply a readily recognised sanction successful sustainability circles and associated with EcoKonnectors)
