The Mandaveli Raja Street Residents’ Welfare Association celebrated its annual theme-based Kolam Competition and Pongal Festival on January 11 turning the neighbourhood into a vibrant hub of art, tradition, and joy.
This year’s theme, “Media World” (ஊடக உலகு), inspired 20 teams—including 8 guest teams from various parts of Chennai and 6 childrens’ teams —to depict the influence of media through colourful rangolis.
The intermittent rains drove the organisers to initiate Plan B and shift the venue to Dwaraka Apartments’ parking lot, which transformed into a lively art gallery.
Judges Kala Raghu, Dr. Lavanya, and Aparna Ganesh went about taking a close look at the creative works.
Cash prize winners were Akai, Kavitha, Trishul amongst the residents’ category and Kola Chitram (K KNagar) , Spark Squad (Madhavaram) and Malar (Ramapuram) in guests’ category.
All the children were declared winners and received gifts.
There were also cultural performances – these included Kummi dance, Silambam by young Akhil Aaryav, and a entertaining Tholppavai puppet show by Muthuchandran and his team from Kanyakumari which transformed the street into a village theatre.
Traditional snacks prepared by residents were available at an ethnic decorated Paati Kadai, health checkup stalls by sponsors Kauvery Hospital, and fun games like Tug of War and Uri Adi added zing to this event.
The fest was supported by residents and sponsors.
- By Ganga Sridhar
