Chennai turns 387 with a festival of food, music and community at YMCA Grounds

Chennai's 387th year was celebrated on Saturday with the Made of Chennai festival at the YMCA Grounds in Nandanam. The event, which began at 4 p.m., combined live music, food, and games to mark the city's founding.

The musical lineup featured performances by Paal Dabba, Anthony Daasan (joined by his wife Rita), and the band Makka. Chinmayi's cross-lingual set was a highlight for many in attendance. The band Vihara also performed, offering a mix of Carnatic and retro-rock influences, alongside tributes to composers Ilaiyaraaja and A.R. Rahman.

Beyond the stage, the festival included a game zone with traditional games like pallanguzhi and nondi (hopscotch), as well as snakes and ladders, bowling, ludo, tic-tac-toe, and jenga. The setup was designed to encourage attendees to engage with each other away from their phones.

Food stalls offered a mix of Chennai classics such as Murugan Idli and Tibb's Frankie, alongside newer options like Ciclo, Oye Hoye, Bien Butter, Ricky's Cookies, and Kulfiwallah. The festival also featured Iftar fare, including snacks from Habibi's, Nombu Kanji from Mannady, and offerings from Al Noor Café.

For some attendees, including members of a city ultimate frisbee club, the festival has become an annual tradition to meet and celebrate together. The event drew a crowd that engaged with the performances and activities throughout the evening, marking the city's birthday with a blend of sound, taste, and shared experience.