Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 09, 2014
At the Park concert; Day One, morning
Woke up at 4.55. Limbering exercises. Tea. Newspapers. And at the desk.
And then at the Park. For Concert No.1 of the Fest. By the Suswarara choir group.
Posted photos on the Festival's FB page; some more here - of signboards and Tees on sale. Atmosphere around the Chess Square.
And then at the Park. For Concert No.1 of the Fest. By the Suswarara choir group.
Posted photos on the Festival's FB page; some more here - of signboards and Tees on sale. Atmosphere around the Chess Square.
Hiccups and heartbreaks . . .
Hiccups, heart breaks and down sides are a part of a Fest of this size.
The suppliers of display boards let us down; no the East Mada Street exhibition of many themes is out off till Jan.9 noontime.
The erection of the Tamil Cinema in 100 Years of Indian Cinema exhibition at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is also pushed to Thursday evening.
One of the teams to set up the food sales, Mylaporean wholly is in hibernation; so do we call in the standby caterer?
A procession from the temple is scheduled late on Wednesday evening and some overzealous folks cry halt to our work - not knowing we are aware of the event and aren't in the way!
Finally, it takes over an hour to get the order from the City Police Commissioner's office; but a nice soul and a well-wisher delays her departure, gets the file and makes us happy.
But there are many things to do….all on Thursday.
The suppliers of display boards let us down; no the East Mada Street exhibition of many themes is out off till Jan.9 noontime.
The erection of the Tamil Cinema in 100 Years of Indian Cinema exhibition at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan is also pushed to Thursday evening.
One of the teams to set up the food sales, Mylaporean wholly is in hibernation; so do we call in the standby caterer?
A procession from the temple is scheduled late on Wednesday evening and some overzealous folks cry halt to our work - not knowing we are aware of the event and aren't in the way!
Finally, it takes over an hour to get the order from the City Police Commissioner's office; but a nice soul and a well-wisher delays her departure, gets the file and makes us happy.
But there are many things to do….all on Thursday.
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Thoranam designers in the backyard
The mada veedhis can surprise us, if only we choose to look closely.
This morning as we did the rounds of the Fest zone we came across a hawker of many seasonal things who lives at one end of Pitchu Pillai Street.
He can design thoranams - the simple and the flowery ones. In minutes he had some samples to show us; we chose some to decorate the Kolam Contest Zone on the weekend and our work was made easy.
Then he showed us his hobby work - two small raatnams and a model of the Sri Kapali ther that he had made out of waste wood and leftover paint.
This is the man who we will employ to design two giant bommais for our next Fest. Lesson learnt - look for the creative minds in your backyard.
This morning as we did the rounds of the Fest zone we came across a hawker of many seasonal things who lives at one end of Pitchu Pillai Street.
He can design thoranams - the simple and the flowery ones. In minutes he had some samples to show us; we chose some to decorate the Kolam Contest Zone on the weekend and our work was made easy.
Then he showed us his hobby work - two small raatnams and a model of the Sri Kapali ther that he had made out of waste wood and leftover paint.
This is the man who we will employ to design two giant bommais for our next Fest. Lesson learnt - look for the creative minds in your backyard.
Monday, January 06, 2014
Dancing inside the temple this year may be a new experience
The first dance of the Fest has to be staged next to the Saneeswarar sannidhi and in the open since the temple needs the Navaratri Mantap for religious functions.
The stage will be simple but the sight for the dancers will be special. The temple section will make it so, we guess.
And we are mulling over the idea of having all the dance recitals, of groups at this venue. The space is so vast and the location better.
A new souvenir this year
Peacocks fascinate. And we choose these motifs always for the Fest.
Here are finely designed displays, wall hangings that will also be sold as souvenirs this year.
At Rs.120 a piece.
Work on the streets have begun
This is the view of the Food Street finding shape on Sunday night near Lady Sivaswamy Girls School.
We have provided more space for the counters and a larger wash space too.
Sunday, January 05, 2014
Mural art on ther shed; first attempt
This then is an idea that has held its time. Giving the wall of the there shed - the theradi - a touch of local color.
This time around Vijaykumar Reddy, trustee of the Sri Kapali Temple nodded his head, and the temple managers did so too and here we are ready to clean that wall of spit, mud, yuck and all, give it a coat of primer and go to work.
Members of Chennai Weekend Artists, ever so gracious at community driven art will bring their ideas and brushes. Children will also be invited to fill in and express themselves.
Our guideline - keep the art in consonance with the local flavors and colors!
Long ago, a workshop at Max Mueller Bhavan, Madras debated ideas for Using Open Spaces. Prasanna Ramaswamy was the co-ordinator at MMB then.
Out of that meet the Namma Mylapore idea grew, laboured and faltered.
The Festival idea has come a long way. The ther ( chariot) shed mural, when it does get completed - we think it can be a work in progress across 2 months - will perhaps be the start of more use of spaces in this zone for art of all kinds.
This time around Vijaykumar Reddy, trustee of the Sri Kapali Temple nodded his head, and the temple managers did so too and here we are ready to clean that wall of spit, mud, yuck and all, give it a coat of primer and go to work.
Members of Chennai Weekend Artists, ever so gracious at community driven art will bring their ideas and brushes. Children will also be invited to fill in and express themselves.
Our guideline - keep the art in consonance with the local flavors and colors!
Long ago, a workshop at Max Mueller Bhavan, Madras debated ideas for Using Open Spaces. Prasanna Ramaswamy was the co-ordinator at MMB then.
Out of that meet the Namma Mylapore idea grew, laboured and faltered.
The Festival idea has come a long way. The ther ( chariot) shed mural, when it does get completed - we think it can be a work in progress across 2 months - will perhaps be the start of more use of spaces in this zone for art of all kinds.
Many want to sit down for Elai Sapad!
We have already received eight bookings for the Sunday Elai sapad on Jan. 12, within a day of announcement.
Two years ago, we thought of this idea and invited Mylaporeans living in traditional houses to host Elai Sapad for guests.
Lakshmi and her husband Srikanth were the first ones to respond. They were excited about meeting new people at their home in Devadi Street in Mylapore. It was Arudra that year and the special item in their menu was Thiruvathirai Kali.
Last year two more families volunteered to host Elai sapad. Srividya in TSV Koil Street and Jayashree in
Kesava Perumal West Ward street treated guests with special Bhogi sapad, as it was the eve of Pongal.
This year too Lakshmi and Jayashree are happy to serve elai sapad. There are two other families enquiring on how to go about hosting first time guests in their home.
Want to lunch with a Mylapore family this Sunday? Contact 9840544629 and make your reservations. Rs. 150 per person, to be paid in advance.
Two years ago, we thought of this idea and invited Mylaporeans living in traditional houses to host Elai Sapad for guests.
Lakshmi and her husband Srikanth were the first ones to respond. They were excited about meeting new people at their home in Devadi Street in Mylapore. It was Arudra that year and the special item in their menu was Thiruvathirai Kali.
Last year two more families volunteered to host Elai sapad. Srividya in TSV Koil Street and Jayashree in
Kesava Perumal West Ward street treated guests with special Bhogi sapad, as it was the eve of Pongal.
This year too Lakshmi and Jayashree are happy to serve elai sapad. There are two other families enquiring on how to go about hosting first time guests in their home.
Want to lunch with a Mylapore family this Sunday? Contact 9840544629 and make your reservations. Rs. 150 per person, to be paid in advance.
Early work for the Fest. Food Street.
This year, we start our work at the Festival venue early. It helps our nerves to relax when the Thursday shows unfold!
So contractor Shankar is building the Food Street stalls today, after a team cleaned the yuck off this street twice over. We have also used some soft cleansing materials to santise the place since thousands of people will crowd here for some nice snacks.
The street lamps and buntings will also go up soon on East Mada Street.
And on Wednesday we hope to have a section of the street exhibitions up. All along East Mada Street.
That night we also hope to erect the art installations at the Gandhi statue zone, off the Chitrakulam.
If you have small ideas on these, do share. Now.
So contractor Shankar is building the Food Street stalls today, after a team cleaned the yuck off this street twice over. We have also used some soft cleansing materials to santise the place since thousands of people will crowd here for some nice snacks.
The street lamps and buntings will also go up soon on East Mada Street.
And on Wednesday we hope to have a section of the street exhibitions up. All along East Mada Street.
That night we also hope to erect the art installations at the Gandhi statue zone, off the Chitrakulam.
If you have small ideas on these, do share. Now.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Prizes and Souvenirs
The top picture is of the trophies that will go to the winners of the Kolam and the Traditional Games contests. The lamps are in the making, to decorate the Fest zone. The paper bags and the Fest Tee will be on sale at two INFO/SALE booths during the fest and now at the fest office at Mylapore Times in Alwarpet. Tees cost Rs.220 a piece - L, M and Kids sizes.
Friday, January 03, 2014
News for the Media
The customary press briefing took place on Friday, January 3. At the Sundaram Finance headquarters on Pattulous Road. The Festival funder plays this role year after year, with help from PR person Prabhu and the company's communications team led by Sandhya.
We had a few media course students but they just sat, took pictures and observed the action.
This was the time to talk about the highlights of the 2014 Fest - Yakshagana for two back-to-back shows; art installations and the Mylapore Mosaic.
In the photo, the top one are T T Srinivasaraghavan, MD of Sundaram Finance and Vincent D' Souza, Festival director. The second photo is a section of the media.
Also present at this event was SF Vice-President Sivakumar.
We had a few media course students but they just sat, took pictures and observed the action.
This was the time to talk about the highlights of the 2014 Fest - Yakshagana for two back-to-back shows; art installations and the Mylapore Mosaic.
In the photo, the top one are T T Srinivasaraghavan, MD of Sundaram Finance and Vincent D' Souza, Festival director. The second photo is a section of the media.
Also present at this event was SF Vice-President Sivakumar.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Fest Tees on sale. Grab some!
The 2014 Festival T-shirts are now on sale. They are in white and in black colours and carry two different peacock designs which were outlined by famed artist and cartoonist Keshav of The Hindu.
From coastal Karnataka to coastal Mylapore
Every year, we host a troupe from outside.
This year a Yakshagana team led by the well known Shivananda Hegde from north coastal Karnatak will be here.
Ten artistes and musicians make this troupe. They present two back-to-back productions on the main stage and in the open air. Should be a treat to watch; more for those who have not watches a Yakshagana recital.
Hegde isn't new to this city. He has performed at many Chennai venues.
Our friends will lodge at what has become the pad for travelling artistes - Hotel Karpagam on South Mada Street. Fully renovated it has a charm of its own and is a favourite destination for musicians and rasikas here for the December season.
This year a Yakshagana team led by the well known Shivananda Hegde from north coastal Karnatak will be here.
Ten artistes and musicians make this troupe. They present two back-to-back productions on the main stage and in the open air. Should be a treat to watch; more for those who have not watches a Yakshagana recital.
Hegde isn't new to this city. He has performed at many Chennai venues.
Our friends will lodge at what has become the pad for travelling artistes - Hotel Karpagam on South Mada Street. Fully renovated it has a charm of its own and is a favourite destination for musicians and rasikas here for the December season.
Thanks to Prasanna, the site is fully updated. Check it!
Prasanna Ramaswamy is our SOS man when it comes to making a SOS call to give the Festival website a big push.
So as soon as he landed here from Ireland - to take a break from research and enjoy the December Season kutcheris and catch up with his folks here - we got his services to update the web site.
Now, it is primed for the Fest and carries all the info.
Sadly, the site was hacked some weeks ago and we have lost a bit of the written and visual documents of past Festivals. We hope to restore them alter this year.
We will need one smart tech-savvy volunteer for the 4 days of the Fest. To collate the buzz on events, post them on a public screen and populate the FB page to keep well-wishers in the loop.
Keen? Buzz Revathi at 98405 44629.
So as soon as he landed here from Ireland - to take a break from research and enjoy the December Season kutcheris and catch up with his folks here - we got his services to update the web site.
Now, it is primed for the Fest and carries all the info.
Sadly, the site was hacked some weeks ago and we have lost a bit of the written and visual documents of past Festivals. We hope to restore them alter this year.
We will need one smart tech-savvy volunteer for the 4 days of the Fest. To collate the buzz on events, post them on a public screen and populate the FB page to keep well-wishers in the loop.
Keen? Buzz Revathi at 98405 44629.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
More lighting at Sannidhi Square
Bhupalan is our lighting man for the Fest. He and his small team put up the street lamps, light up the market and food spaces.
This year we managed to also get Victor in. Victor grew up under the celebrated theatreperson late Mithran Devanesan and is now a busy man, setting up stuff for huge trade shows and lighting dramas, especially the ones of The Madras Players.
Victor does a great job in Thiruvaiyaru when Ranvir Shah holds the Sacred Music Fest, lighting up the old temples, ghat and the riverside.
Victor hopes to light up the mantap and the east facade of the Sri Kapali Temple and the spaces around Sannidhi Square. It is his idea to have a short dance recital in a mantap on top of the stairs that lead to the temple there shed. What do you think of this idea?
This year we managed to also get Victor in. Victor grew up under the celebrated theatreperson late Mithran Devanesan and is now a busy man, setting up stuff for huge trade shows and lighting dramas, especially the ones of The Madras Players.
Victor does a great job in Thiruvaiyaru when Ranvir Shah holds the Sacred Music Fest, lighting up the old temples, ghat and the riverside.
Victor hopes to light up the mantap and the east facade of the Sri Kapali Temple and the spaces around Sannidhi Square. It is his idea to have a short dance recital in a mantap on top of the stairs that lead to the temple there shed. What do you think of this idea?
Fest Tee at Christmastime
The Hindu's senior cartoonist and celebrated artist Keshav has chosen five designs from among the 35 submitted by kids for the Fest Tee.
So we chose two designs for the white and the black Tees that are now being produced at Tiruppur and will be on sale by Christmastime.
We are taking orders for packs of 5/10 or more now. Each Tee costs Rs.220.
So we chose two designs for the white and the black Tees that are now being produced at Tiruppur and will be on sale by Christmastime.
We are taking orders for packs of 5/10 or more now. Each Tee costs Rs.220.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
T-shirt design event at park kicks off Fest 2014
Welcome to the 2014 edition of the Mylapore Festival, funded by Sundaram Finance and curated by Vincent D Souza and R Revathi.
On the eve of the first day of December we seem to have quickly drawn up the schedule rather easily.
Last night, dance guru Sheela Unnikrishnan, back from a wonderful tour of Taiwan confirmed her dancers' dance drama show for the Fest this year.
The first event, a small one unfolds on Sunday, December 1 at our fav nook - Nageswara Rao Park in Luz. Here, kids will colour a simple design that will be used as the motif for the Tee ( T-shirt) for the 2014 Fest.
This basic design is the work of one of India's famed cartoonists - Keshav of The Hindu.
Keshav, who also live in the area was more than willing to create the basic design and we are looking forward to the colours that teens will add on Sunday, 8 a.m. onwards.
On the eve of the first day of December we seem to have quickly drawn up the schedule rather easily.
Last night, dance guru Sheela Unnikrishnan, back from a wonderful tour of Taiwan confirmed her dancers' dance drama show for the Fest this year.
The first event, a small one unfolds on Sunday, December 1 at our fav nook - Nageswara Rao Park in Luz. Here, kids will colour a simple design that will be used as the motif for the Tee ( T-shirt) for the 2014 Fest.
This basic design is the work of one of India's famed cartoonists - Keshav of The Hindu.
Keshav, who also live in the area was more than willing to create the basic design and we are looking forward to the colours that teens will add on Sunday, 8 a.m. onwards.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Be part of the Mylapore Mosaic
Love knitting, fabric painting, crochet or applique work?
And does the image of peacock fascinate you?
Then, come along. Let's make a Mylapore Montage together through creative designs of peacock for 2014 edition of Mylapore Festival.
All that you need to do is to handcraft a design representing a peacock.You can use fabric and paint. Or crochet with colourful woolen yarn. Make your work in a square of 1 ft by 1 ft (12 inches by 12 inches). These squares will be stitched together and will be part of a decorative installation during the Mylapore Festival to be held from Jan 9 to 12, 2014.
All those interested in creating the huge mosaic are invited to be part of the briefing session.
On Dec. 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. at Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore.
You will get to see a few sample works on that day.
For details, contact Revathi, Co-Director on 98405 44629.
If you cannot make it to the meet, and still interested in doing one, buzz anyway!
And does the image of peacock fascinate you?
Then, come along. Let's make a Mylapore Montage together through creative designs of peacock for 2014 edition of Mylapore Festival.
All that you need to do is to handcraft a design representing a peacock.You can use fabric and paint. Or crochet with colourful woolen yarn. Make your work in a square of 1 ft by 1 ft (12 inches by 12 inches). These squares will be stitched together and will be part of a decorative installation during the Mylapore Festival to be held from Jan 9 to 12, 2014.
All those interested in creating the huge mosaic are invited to be part of the briefing session.
On Dec. 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. at Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore.
You will get to see a few sample works on that day.
For details, contact Revathi, Co-Director on 98405 44629.
If you cannot make it to the meet, and still interested in doing one, buzz anyway!
Design a T-Shirt for Mylapore
We invite school students to design a T-Shirt for this year's fest.
Check out the contest to be held on Dec. 1 (Sunday) at 8 a.m. Be there at the Nageaswara Rao Park.
Check out the contest to be held on Dec. 1 (Sunday) at 8 a.m. Be there at the Nageaswara Rao Park.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Mylapore Festival 2014 edition. From Jan. 9 to 12.
The 12th edition of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival will be on from Jan. 9 to 12, 2014.
The team is planning for adding new features to the festival.
A Mylapore Food Walk along the popular eateries of the neighbourhood like the Rayar's Mess to Janal Bajji Kadai is planned for a Saturday evening.
A bicycle heritage tour and a few art installations are also part of the new features at this fest.
How about a Sound and Light show, asks an enthusiastic volunteer.
The team is putting together all these ideas, shows. Till the final schedule is drawn, you catch all the buzz at the festival FaceBook page here - http://www.facebook.com/mylaporefestival/
You can also share your ideas on the page.
Welcome to yet another edition of the festival!
The team is planning for adding new features to the festival.
A Mylapore Food Walk along the popular eateries of the neighbourhood like the Rayar's Mess to Janal Bajji Kadai is planned for a Saturday evening.
A bicycle heritage tour and a few art installations are also part of the new features at this fest.
How about a Sound and Light show, asks an enthusiastic volunteer.
The team is putting together all these ideas, shows. Till the final schedule is drawn, you catch all the buzz at the festival FaceBook page here - http://www.facebook.com/mylaporefestival/
You can also share your ideas on the page.
Welcome to yet another edition of the festival!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Time to say Goodbye, but there's work to be done!
We took a small break and found that this isnt enough after a tight Festival.
And now it is time to settle the big bills from all the service providers.
Thankfully, with a cool sponsor like Sundaram Finance the process is smooth and fairly quick.
When you have a sponsor who also believes what you as Director of the Fest have in mind and on the vision radar, it is a great partnership.
Reason to offer a special thank you to SF's Head, T T Srinivasaraghavan and his team.
It has been a hugely enjoyable Fest despite the hiccups that all such street and open space based Fests carry with them.
And with the jottings of the Fest's pluses and minuses, we will be back to the table in March 2013 to plan the 2014 Festival.
Your suggestions, ideas and hand up will be welcome too. Do write in - mymylaporefestival@gmail.com.
Till the next January, thank you for being with us.
And now it is time to settle the big bills from all the service providers.
Thankfully, with a cool sponsor like Sundaram Finance the process is smooth and fairly quick.
When you have a sponsor who also believes what you as Director of the Fest have in mind and on the vision radar, it is a great partnership.
Reason to offer a special thank you to SF's Head, T T Srinivasaraghavan and his team.
It has been a hugely enjoyable Fest despite the hiccups that all such street and open space based Fests carry with them.
And with the jottings of the Fest's pluses and minuses, we will be back to the table in March 2013 to plan the 2014 Festival.
Your suggestions, ideas and hand up will be welcome too. Do write in - mymylaporefestival@gmail.com.
Till the next January, thank you for being with us.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Positives of this Fest
Some nice positives from this Fest.
One, that people do enjoy the traditional performing arts and will watch them as late as 10 p.m. The Bhagatava Mela experience this time was encouraging.
Two, that many people are so proud of the kolam carpet created by the Kolam Contests that they want traffic to be curtailed for a few hours after the contest so that tourists and others can take time and enjoy every art work in peace and quiet and that dirty wheels do not run over the works of art.
Three, that a good Carnatic music concert in the open air welcomes people who are not hardcore music rasikas and they stay on till late.
Four, that more and more people are proud that a Fest of this nature takes place in their midst.
One, that people do enjoy the traditional performing arts and will watch them as late as 10 p.m. The Bhagatava Mela experience this time was encouraging.
Two, that many people are so proud of the kolam carpet created by the Kolam Contests that they want traffic to be curtailed for a few hours after the contest so that tourists and others can take time and enjoy every art work in peace and quiet and that dirty wheels do not run over the works of art.
Three, that a good Carnatic music concert in the open air welcomes people who are not hardcore music rasikas and they stay on till late.
Four, that more and more people are proud that a Fest of this nature takes place in their midst.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Rickshaw Tour gets moving!
Asha Sridhar of The Hindu newspaper just could not wait to take the Cyclerickshaw tour on Friday evening.
We had requested City Editor, Bishwanath Ghosh ( Tamarind City author, the book based on our city) to consider some feature ideas that The Hindu could look at at the Fest and he responded.
Through fading light Asha and her colleague got the sights and sounds of inner Mylapore and not content with their experience, have told the rick men to expect friends on this weekend.
This tour is best done at daytime so if you or your friends want an experience please come by to the Fest office counter ( East Mada Street, Rasi store area) at 4.45 p.m. and book early!
Just now, there are just 2 ricks on the tour.
We had requested City Editor, Bishwanath Ghosh ( Tamarind City author, the book based on our city) to consider some feature ideas that The Hindu could look at at the Fest and he responded.
Through fading light Asha and her colleague got the sights and sounds of inner Mylapore and not content with their experience, have told the rick men to expect friends on this weekend.
This tour is best done at daytime so if you or your friends want an experience please come by to the Fest office counter ( East Mada Street, Rasi store area) at 4.45 p.m. and book early!
Just now, there are just 2 ricks on the tour.
Exhibition of vintage Mylapore triggers contributions
Over 500 people must have seen the small Vintage Mylapore Photo Exhibition so far.
It is located along the western wall of the Lady Sivaswami Girls School, on East Mada Street through the evening and we now keep it open through the day at the thread ( ther shed).
Though there are only 35 odd pictures the show has now triggered donations from the community. Two people brought some old photos to share including some by the family of Prabhu , a PR professional who also handles the PR for Sundaram Finance for the Fest.
The pictures were of the Malayalee Assn at the Madras High Court! many lawyers in this frame were Mylapore residents and the picture has been carefully preserved by Prabhu's neighbor.
We invite more such donations of old Mylapore photos. Mail us at - mymylaporefestival@gmail.com
Stalls, stalls, stalls!
Space for all - perhaps that is the underlining spirit of the Fest.
Because besides the events that we as the hosts present and the streets that we create, loads of other people also set up shop.
Stalls, stalls, stalls is the plea from men and women who want to tap into the popularity of the Fest.
Selling food and mosquito repellants, beads and chapati makers, the stalls of all kinds in all place make this a thiruvizha of sorts.
As hosts using a public space, we really cannot and may not be able to bar the hawkers and sundry stalls from the space. Live and let live is the policy!
Because besides the events that we as the hosts present and the streets that we create, loads of other people also set up shop.
Stalls, stalls, stalls is the plea from men and women who want to tap into the popularity of the Fest.
Selling food and mosquito repellants, beads and chapati makers, the stalls of all kinds in all place make this a thiruvizha of sorts.
As hosts using a public space, we really cannot and may not be able to bar the hawkers and sundry stalls from the space. Live and let live is the policy!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Bhagavata Mela gets good audience. 2nd show tonight!
When the last word was said on the Main Stage last night the clock showed 10.25 p.m.
And there were at least 400 people in the audience to applaud the Bhagavata Mela team from Thanjavur.
Bhakta Prahlad on Day One of the Fest was good. More so when the show unfolded on a large, simple stage set against the lit multi-pillared mantap of the Sri Kapali Temple, a wonderful work of art that is sadly stoned in the dark.
Mali and his team will be back on Friday night to present the Andal story in Tamil and this should also be great. Starts from about 8.15 p.m today.
The streets came alive and the special lamps alongside the veedhis gave that quaint touch to the fest area.
Expect the crowds to be big Friday evening as the bzuz has now made the rounds of this neighborhood.
And there were at least 400 people in the audience to applaud the Bhagavata Mela team from Thanjavur.
Bhakta Prahlad on Day One of the Fest was good. More so when the show unfolded on a large, simple stage set against the lit multi-pillared mantap of the Sri Kapali Temple, a wonderful work of art that is sadly stoned in the dark.
Mali and his team will be back on Friday night to present the Andal story in Tamil and this should also be great. Starts from about 8.15 p.m today.
The streets came alive and the special lamps alongside the veedhis gave that quaint touch to the fest area.
Expect the crowds to be big Friday evening as the bzuz has now made the rounds of this neighborhood.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Kapali temple has space for more dance
Classical Bharathanatyam performances inside Sri Kapali temple has been a tradition in Mylapore Festival for years now.
This one-hour performance by young students of famed gurus is a colourful one that draws huge audience and make the temple goers sit for a while and enjoy in a great ambiance.
When we were told that there is another dance event hosted by the Chairman of the temple, Mr. Vijay Kumar Reddy on one of the days of the festival, we needed work around the timings.
Mr. Reddy who is a great supporter of music and dance, sponsors many awards and events during the 'December season' in Madras. So it wasn't difficult for the Mylapore Festival team to convince him to have both the dance events in the temple on that day.
Dance guru Mathumathy Prakash too doesn't want to give up a chance to perform at the temple and has readily agreed to perform an hour earlier on the day.
Now, on Jan. 12, there will be a Bharathanatyam performance by the students of Mathumathy Prakash followed by a Odissi dance recital by the dancers of Nrityagram, Bangalore, Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy.
The Navarathri mandapam of Sri Kapali temple has space for all this and more
This one-hour performance by young students of famed gurus is a colourful one that draws huge audience and make the temple goers sit for a while and enjoy in a great ambiance.
When we were told that there is another dance event hosted by the Chairman of the temple, Mr. Vijay Kumar Reddy on one of the days of the festival, we needed work around the timings.
Mr. Reddy who is a great supporter of music and dance, sponsors many awards and events during the 'December season' in Madras. So it wasn't difficult for the Mylapore Festival team to convince him to have both the dance events in the temple on that day.
Dance guru Mathumathy Prakash too doesn't want to give up a chance to perform at the temple and has readily agreed to perform an hour earlier on the day.
Now, on Jan. 12, there will be a Bharathanatyam performance by the students of Mathumathy Prakash followed by a Odissi dance recital by the dancers of Nrityagram, Bangalore, Surupa Sen and Bijayini Satpathy.
The Navarathri mandapam of Sri Kapali temple has space for all this and more
Mohan's docu film on margazhi mood on mada veedhis
A new docu-film has just landed on our table and it makes good viewing.
Mohan Das Vadakkara has captured the sounds, sights and music of the margazhi season on the mada veedhis of Mylapore. The 12minute film will be among the 3 short films we will screen at the Main Stage area of the Fest.
Titled Margazhi Moods on mada veedhis, the film has been uploaded on YouTube last night and we want you to see it and post your comments too!
Mohan Das had a terrible end to his first shoot on the veedhis in late December - his hard disk crashed and he lost great footage, including some great predawn shots of the Arudra procession out of Sri Kapali Temple.
But he doubled up last week and delivered in quick time. For the past few years, the Fest commissions very small films on Mylapore to be screened at the Fest. If you have ideas, buzz us for 2014.
Mohan Das Vadakkara has captured the sounds, sights and music of the margazhi season on the mada veedhis of Mylapore. The 12minute film will be among the 3 short films we will screen at the Main Stage area of the Fest.
Titled Margazhi Moods on mada veedhis, the film has been uploaded on YouTube last night and we want you to see it and post your comments too!
Mohan Das had a terrible end to his first shoot on the veedhis in late December - his hard disk crashed and he lost great footage, including some great predawn shots of the Arudra procession out of Sri Kapali Temple.
But he doubled up last week and delivered in quick time. For the past few years, the Fest commissions very small films on Mylapore to be screened at the Fest. If you have ideas, buzz us for 2014.
The Team that builds the base for the Fest!
Five key men and their teams make this Fest happen. For they are ones who build the foundations and stages for the shows to roll and go on for four days.
Bhupalan has been with us for a decade. His team is small and it fixes all the basic electrical systems we need, replacing fused bulbs inside our lovely cloth lamps and the paper lamps from Pondy that decorate 5 streets / lanes.
Swamy has also been with us for some years and his Triplicane based team handles the sound and lights at the main stage - Swamy is the kind of person who always says 'yes' to requests - collar mikes in a jiffy, additional light on the small stage and stuff.
Shankar from Llyods Road joined us this year and will fix all the stalls. Big but quick infrastructure a Fest requires.
And the man who runs around and fixes things through 24 hours - Kathiravan from Mylapore Times. Kolam maavu, artists' stands, banners and posters . . and more. That is a lot he handles.
The Fest runs on this team in many ways.
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
Can we revive our Ricks?
The cyclerickshaw life is a sad story. We got closer to it this week as we put together the Cyclerickshaw Tour.
Krishnan and Murthy will be the two men who will pedal visitors on a 40minute journey through Mylapore streets and lanes, going as far east as the San Thome Cathedral.
The ricks are rickety simply because patronage is next to zilch for these men; Murthy has been a bit smart, with a few school safaris before he hits a job in the area. But Krishnan sounds so despondent. He is 70 and a tired man.
Krishnan belongs to the rick community which was an adjunct of the old Mylapore families - carting women to tenples, markets and stores. Seniors to short distances. And earned well. In some ways, the Krishnans were part of the extended family of the 50s and 60s.
Mylapore still sports at least two dozen ricks. They are the links to the past.
If the tours can grow into a regular tourist circuit for some of these men and their eco machines, this Fest may have made a contribution.
If you have ideas to make this grow, share them. Join its
Krishnan and Murthy will be the two men who will pedal visitors on a 40minute journey through Mylapore streets and lanes, going as far east as the San Thome Cathedral.
The ricks are rickety simply because patronage is next to zilch for these men; Murthy has been a bit smart, with a few school safaris before he hits a job in the area. But Krishnan sounds so despondent. He is 70 and a tired man.
Krishnan belongs to the rick community which was an adjunct of the old Mylapore families - carting women to tenples, markets and stores. Seniors to short distances. And earned well. In some ways, the Krishnans were part of the extended family of the 50s and 60s.
Mylapore still sports at least two dozen ricks. They are the links to the past.
If the tours can grow into a regular tourist circuit for some of these men and their eco machines, this Fest may have made a contribution.
If you have ideas to make this grow, share them. Join its
The Kolam Display on the mada veedhi . .
We started the Kolam Display last year. Letting the 100 plus kolams designed on North Mada Street, just off the temple zone to remain as a live exhibit on the road so that Festival visitors and passersby enjoy the spectacle.
Since it gets dark by 6 p.m. we even floodlit the street section and the kolams in that glow were a brilliant carpet. Thankfully, Mylapore Police also co operated and guided the traffic on one side of the veedhi.
We hope to let the Display remain on the weekend this season. If we could make it, we would like the Kolam Display to remain as such into the night. That would draw hundreds of people.
Since it gets dark by 6 p.m. we even floodlit the street section and the kolams in that glow were a brilliant carpet. Thankfully, Mylapore Police also co operated and guided the traffic on one side of the veedhi.
We hope to let the Display remain on the weekend this season. If we could make it, we would like the Kolam Display to remain as such into the night. That would draw hundreds of people.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Need for temple heritage zone . . .
We are always looking at the open spaces on and off the mada veedhis.
And dreamily imagining the picture on the veedhis if we cut off the traffic for 3/5 hours on these roads, let the hawkers and stores open colourfully and host cultural and art events.
I believe this is an idea that is easily possible. All we need is a city council and city police and state tourism to back the idea.
The Sri Kapali Temple zone is a truly heritage zone which needs a special status and attention.
The Mylapore Festival tries to bring the focus on this idea.
Hopefully, the kolam display after the contest will be a showcase on the weekend.
And dreamily imagining the picture on the veedhis if we cut off the traffic for 3/5 hours on these roads, let the hawkers and stores open colourfully and host cultural and art events.
I believe this is an idea that is easily possible. All we need is a city council and city police and state tourism to back the idea.
The Sri Kapali Temple zone is a truly heritage zone which needs a special status and attention.
The Mylapore Festival tries to bring the focus on this idea.
Hopefully, the kolam display after the contest will be a showcase on the weekend.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Mylapore Quiz can be testy!
QFI, many thanks.
The Quiz Foundation of India (QFI), a body of hyper and champ quizzers has always been of help to the Fest.
So when we buzzed senior quizzer Gopal Kidao this time, he responded in a jiffy and we now have Vijay Sai as Quiz Master for the Mylapore Quiz on Jan 13 at Lady Sivaswamy Girls School.
It is open to all, and for teams of 2. No regn. required. All questions will be on Mylapore.
Report at 2.45 pm. We have to close the event by 4 pm because other events follow at this hall!
The Quiz Foundation of India (QFI), a body of hyper and champ quizzers has always been of help to the Fest.
So when we buzzed senior quizzer Gopal Kidao this time, he responded in a jiffy and we now have Vijay Sai as Quiz Master for the Mylapore Quiz on Jan 13 at Lady Sivaswamy Girls School.
It is open to all, and for teams of 2. No regn. required. All questions will be on Mylapore.
Report at 2.45 pm. We have to close the event by 4 pm because other events follow at this hall!
Street for Artists
Hopefully, we will now have an Artists Lane at the Fest - an idea we have been working on for some time.
It is not easy to convert streets and lanes in Mylapore where life bubbles everyday into a Fest zone.
We need to respect the local people's lives but most have always been accommodating. They love tghe festival mela scene as long as people don't mess around.
So my artist friend Gita and past MFA students like JP and Siva, both regulars at the Fest have worked their contacts and will have at least 12 young artists to display small works of art on Pitchu Pillai Street, just off Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Portrait painting of guests will also be done - it is the most indemand thing at the Fest.
It is not easy to convert streets and lanes in Mylapore where life bubbles everyday into a Fest zone.
We need to respect the local people's lives but most have always been accommodating. They love tghe festival mela scene as long as people don't mess around.
So my artist friend Gita and past MFA students like JP and Siva, both regulars at the Fest have worked their contacts and will have at least 12 young artists to display small works of art on Pitchu Pillai Street, just off Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Portrait painting of guests will also be done - it is the most indemand thing at the Fest.
Dabras as souvenirs!
Getting dabras made as souvenirs was an idea that came from the community on FaceBook.
It is a nice one and we are happy we could source a pack of dabras at our fav store in China Bazaar and even get the MF logo engraved on each one.
They will go on sale as souvenirs at the Fest Office near the thread. But the dabras are in limited numbers.
T shirts, caps and framed Mylapore illustrations are all ready to go as souvenirs. Grab them!
It is a nice one and we are happy we could source a pack of dabras at our fav store in China Bazaar and even get the MF logo engraved on each one.
They will go on sale as souvenirs at the Fest Office near the thread. But the dabras are in limited numbers.
T shirts, caps and framed Mylapore illustrations are all ready to go as souvenirs. Grab them!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
T Shirt contest winner
The result of the 'Design a T Shirt' contest is just out.
Here is the prize winning design by Surendiren P.
The design will be on the festival T Shirt this. Grab one for you and you can gift it to your friends and family. The T shirt will be available for sale at the Festival Office (near Sri Kapali temple theradi) during the fest from Jan. 10 to 13, 2013
The other two entries, that have won commendations are by Priya Natarajan and Divya Madhan.
These are their entries.
Here is the prize winning design by Surendiren P.
The design will be on the festival T Shirt this. Grab one for you and you can gift it to your friends and family. The T shirt will be available for sale at the Festival Office (near Sri Kapali temple theradi) during the fest from Jan. 10 to 13, 2013
 |
| Prize winning entry by Surendiren P |
The other two entries, that have won commendations are by Priya Natarajan and Divya Madhan.
These are their entries.
 |
| Commendation 1 : Design by Priya Natarajan |
 |
| Commendation 2: Design by Divya Madhan |
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Calling photographers to frame the best pictures
Photographers of all ages are invited to capture and submit their photographs of the Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2013.
Register at the Sundaram Finance Counter (at the Chess Square, Nageswara Rao Park) to cover the morning events from 6.30 am and at the Sundaram Finance Counter (outside Rasi Silks) from 5.30 pm. Participants are welcome to cover all other events held in other venues.
Photographers may submit their CD with their collection of the Festival images to Sundaram Finance Limited, Corporate Communications Department, No. 21, Patullos Road , Chennai – 600 002 on or before Jan 15, 2012.
The best images will be on display at an exhibition planned during the course of the year 2013.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Jan.12 kolam contest will start only at 4 pm.
Holding a festival in public open spaces is never easy.
Challenges, hurdles, queries can fly in your face all the time!
This morn, the Hare Krishna movement folks called - they read the promos of the Fest and said that the annual Rath Yatra starts at the theradi on Jan.12, Sat at 3pm . . so would we take it into account.
Sure we need to!
So we are pushing the Saturday Kolam Contest on North Mada Street to 4pm instead of 3.30pm with the hope that the rath will make its way down the veedhi by that time . .
Challenges, hurdles, queries can fly in your face all the time!
This morn, the Hare Krishna movement folks called - they read the promos of the Fest and said that the annual Rath Yatra starts at the theradi on Jan.12, Sat at 3pm . . so would we take it into account.
Sure we need to!
So we are pushing the Saturday Kolam Contest on North Mada Street to 4pm instead of 3.30pm with the hope that the rath will make its way down the veedhi by that time . .
Friday, December 21, 2012
Heritage Walks: By V. Sriram, Chitra Madhavan
Two of our Festival allies are back with us for the 2013 Fest.
V Sriram and Chitra Madhavan will offer Heritage Walks at the Festival.
Sriram decided to have a Walk that takes a look at a few well known lawyers of the area. Starting from the gate of M Ct M School on Luz Church Road to Luz and ending at a spot on South Mada Street. About 90mins.
Chitra will talk about Less Known Features of Mylapore's Temples with a Walk from Sri Kapali Temple to the Chitrakulam area.
Both Walks are on Jan.13, Sunday. No registrations required - just land up!
There may be one more Walk. . keep logging in. . .
V Sriram and Chitra Madhavan will offer Heritage Walks at the Festival.
Sriram decided to have a Walk that takes a look at a few well known lawyers of the area. Starting from the gate of M Ct M School on Luz Church Road to Luz and ending at a spot on South Mada Street. About 90mins.
Chitra will talk about Less Known Features of Mylapore's Temples with a Walk from Sri Kapali Temple to the Chitrakulam area.
Both Walks are on Jan.13, Sunday. No registrations required - just land up!
There may be one more Walk. . keep logging in. . .
New Fest web site is up!
Our web site is up, about and abuzz.
The man who did a quick, simple and smart job of it is R. Prasanna.
He volunteered while waiting for a call for a doctoral program abroad and the collaboration worked.
Thanks Pras. And all the best in your research.
We hope you like this new look site - we added more visuals and kept it simple.
Mail us your comments - mymylaporefestival@gmail.com
Also, volunteerism is at the core of this Fest. Every year, 20 to 30 people of all ages take charge of the many events and run them.
For the 2013 Fest, we want freshers - college students and young working folks. Seniors who can be active are also welcome. But sign in fast -m we have a meeting lined up soon.
The man who did a quick, simple and smart job of it is R. Prasanna.
He volunteered while waiting for a call for a doctoral program abroad and the collaboration worked.
Thanks Pras. And all the best in your research.
We hope you like this new look site - we added more visuals and kept it simple.
Mail us your comments - mymylaporefestival@gmail.com
Also, volunteerism is at the core of this Fest. Every year, 20 to 30 people of all ages take charge of the many events and run them.
For the 2013 Fest, we want freshers - college students and young working folks. Seniors who can be active are also welcome. But sign in fast -m we have a meeting lined up soon.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Elai Sapad; booked!!
The elai sapad idea seems to have worked.
30 people booked their spaces on Saturday morning and the Srikanths, the host on Devadi Street are happy. But this is a new challenge - to feed people who are first time guests!
Bookings had to be closed early - sorry if we disappointed others. There will be a next time.
Hopefully, this will goad more Mylaporeans to play hosts to sapad and tiffin for people and tourists.
If you are a Mylaporean family that is keen to join this project contact us.
30 people booked their spaces on Saturday morning and the Srikanths, the host on Devadi Street are happy. But this is a new challenge - to feed people who are first time guests!
Bookings had to be closed early - sorry if we disappointed others. There will be a next time.
Hopefully, this will goad more Mylaporeans to play hosts to sapad and tiffin for people and tourists.
If you are a Mylaporean family that is keen to join this project contact us.
Visual treats at Mylapore
Saturday. 10 am. Day 3 of the Fest.
We learn a lot on the Thursday of the Fest, day one. The glitches, the shortcomings, the mess-ups. A stree fest has its big challenges. So we had to revise our plans for Pitchu Pillai Street and ended up doing little. But the hiccup helped. We already have a plan for Fest 2013!
The feedback for the Vanna Mayil production is getting better. So we have decided to record the 60min production on video and have a visual document.
The three little docu films we have done also received positive feedback. So once we have rested fter the Fest, we hope to post those films on the Mylapore TV channel on YouTube.
This morn, it was nice to see members of a photography group, Photostrophy enjoy taking pictures of the 'mikeless' concert in the Park.
Mylapore always fascinates people. Come over with your cams.
We learn a lot on the Thursday of the Fest, day one. The glitches, the shortcomings, the mess-ups. A stree fest has its big challenges. So we had to revise our plans for Pitchu Pillai Street and ended up doing little. But the hiccup helped. We already have a plan for Fest 2013!
The feedback for the Vanna Mayil production is getting better. So we have decided to record the 60min production on video and have a visual document.
The three little docu films we have done also received positive feedback. So once we have rested fter the Fest, we hope to post those films on the Mylapore TV channel on YouTube.
This morn, it was nice to see members of a photography group, Photostrophy enjoy taking pictures of the 'mikeless' concert in the Park.
Mylapore always fascinates people. Come over with your cams.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Vanna Mayil; final reheasal at midnight!
Thats the way it is at Festivals.
Midnight rehearsals.
Vanna Mayil, the dance-music-visual production for MF 2012 is set for the act.
On January 4, the team waited patiently as workmen fixed the 2 stages at 10 pm and the rehearsal began soon after.
When the final call was given it was past midnight.
25 artistes will be featured, co ordinated by guru Revathi Ramachandran.
The production celebrates the less known communities - priests, acharis, potters, dancers and weavers who have enriched this area.
Midnight rehearsals.
Vanna Mayil, the dance-music-visual production for MF 2012 is set for the act.
On January 4, the team waited patiently as workmen fixed the 2 stages at 10 pm and the rehearsal began soon after.
When the final call was given it was past midnight.
25 artistes will be featured, co ordinated by guru Revathi Ramachandran.
The production celebrates the less known communities - priests, acharis, potters, dancers and weavers who have enriched this area.
Elai Sapad; small start on Sunday on Devadi Theru
This Sunday, the Srikanth family will be ready to treat guests to a traditional sapad served on elai ( plantain leaves).
This is an idea floated by the people behind the annual MYLAPORE FESTIVAL.
The Srikanths live in their ancestral house off Devadi Street at the far end of Nadu Street. The house is over 100 years old.
On January 8, Sunday, Lakshmi will serve the lunch ( between 12 noon and 2 pm) to select guests who enjoy this experience, dining while seated on the floor.
Lakshmi can handle only four / five orders. Call 4201 1906 now.
The Fest organizers expect more Mylapore families to host the sapad this weekend. If you are also keen to reserve for the sapad ( when opportunities open) please email to - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com. We will revert if there is space to lunch!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Making the Kolam Show Bigger, Better
We have been excited with the attention and interest that the Kolam Contest and Shows evince.
2 professors from the USA and one French arts person are here to observe and enjoy the shows.
Plus, we are web casting the Sunday show, 3.30pm onwards IST.
On sale here will be India Post postage displays of kolam stamps, a book of freehand kolams and maybe a few Tees.
The Saturday Contest - Jan 7 - is packed with 102 contestants and registration closed yesterday.
2 professors from the USA and one French arts person are here to observe and enjoy the shows.
Plus, we are web casting the Sunday show, 3.30pm onwards IST.
On sale here will be India Post postage displays of kolam stamps, a book of freehand kolams and maybe a few Tees.
The Saturday Contest - Jan 7 - is packed with 102 contestants and registration closed yesterday.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Mylapore Chase - Submit answers before Jan. 1, 2012
Every year, the festival encourages the young and the old to join hands and discover the naighbourhood. Mylapore is a treasure trove of history, culture, art, religion and social history.
The teams that participate in the physical Mylapore Chase always enjoyed going around the small and big streets of Mylapore and discover new things!
This time it is an online hunt.
Santhosh Subramanian, who runs Bambaram Toy Library has volunteered to link the clues to Google map and co-ordinate the online chase.
With two clues every alternate day, he has just put up the final set of clues today. The answers should be mailed on or before Jan. 1, midnight.
Here is the link to participate in the hunt.
Follow the rules given on this blog. Go hunting online from wherever you are.
There are goodies to win as in the past years.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Theme song for Mylapore
Sing a song celebrating the communities of Mylapore!
Here comes the theme song for this year's festival.
A team of youngsters guided by the dance guru Revathi Ramachandran, who picked up verses exactly matching the theme of the audio-video-multimedia-dance narrative production planned for this year have created this.
The lyrics are set to tune by Ms. V. Nandini, a music teacher based in R.A. Puram.
Click on the play button to play the song.
Credits
Lyrics: Bharathiyaar’s composition - 'Thozhil'
Tunes: Smt. Nandini Venkatraman
Sound Direction: Sri Baba Prasad
Vocals:
1. N. Aishwarya
2. V.Srivaralakshmi
3. M. Hariganesh
4. S.Samanvitha
5. S.Sridharini
Accompaniments:
Violin:
1. B. Aravind
2. S.Sidharth
Keyboard: S.Sidharth
Mridangam:
1. M.Hariganesh
2. Baba Prasad
Here comes the theme song for this year's festival.
A team of youngsters guided by the dance guru Revathi Ramachandran, who picked up verses exactly matching the theme of the audio-video-multimedia-dance narrative production planned for this year have created this.
The lyrics are set to tune by Ms. V. Nandini, a music teacher based in R.A. Puram.
Click on the play button to play the song.
Credits
Lyrics: Bharathiyaar’s composition - 'Thozhil'
Tunes: Smt. Nandini Venkatraman
Sound Direction: Sri Baba Prasad
Vocals:
1. N. Aishwarya
2. V.Srivaralakshmi
3. M. Hariganesh
4. S.Samanvitha
5. S.Sridharini
Accompaniments:
Violin:
1. B. Aravind
2. S.Sidharth
Keyboard: S.Sidharth
Mridangam:
1. M.Hariganesh
2. Baba Prasad
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Fest in Open Spaces: the challenges
There are many challenges you face when you run an arts fest in public spaces, that too in one of Chennai's most famed spaces - the precincts of Sri Kapali Temple.
The idea that we have been driving is the need to create heritage zones in spaces like these, declare them as walk only zones and let people enjoy the sights and sounds, shop in peace and take home nice experiences.
Thankfully, the city police and the courts have seen our point and their responses have encouraged us.
Yet, we have to work with the traditions of this space. This year, the religious events at the temple will call for processions of the gods every day, morn and evening and so, we have had to redesign our stage and events to respect the processions.
The idea that we have been driving is the need to create heritage zones in spaces like these, declare them as walk only zones and let people enjoy the sights and sounds, shop in peace and take home nice experiences.
Thankfully, the city police and the courts have seen our point and their responses have encouraged us.
Yet, we have to work with the traditions of this space. This year, the religious events at the temple will call for processions of the gods every day, morn and evening and so, we have had to redesign our stage and events to respect the processions.
Photo Exhibition; Mylapore
Photographer R. Saravanan who works for Mylapore Times has a collection of pictures of Mylapore of the past. One set of vocational studies that students in the 60s used to pursue in local schools.
Another set of social events in homes and around.
Saravanan is still looking for 'old Mylapore' pictures and would be happy if you wish to contribute too.
He just copied pictures of carol singers doing the rounds of the area in the early 70s.
You call Sara at 98410 22843.
The show will be on either North Mada or East Mada Street. Jan 5 to 8, 2012
Another set of social events in homes and around.
Saravanan is still looking for 'old Mylapore' pictures and would be happy if you wish to contribute too.
He just copied pictures of carol singers doing the rounds of the area in the early 70s.
You call Sara at 98410 22843.
The show will be on either North Mada or East Mada Street. Jan 5 to 8, 2012
Want to offer Elai Sapad?
We would like the elai sapad idea to catch on. And we have been spreading the word.
Four people have shown some interest in this concept for this year's Fest. Do spread the word.
You need to entertain one or two guests for starters. That should do!
Very Mylaporean to add to the Festival of 2012.
If you wish to have more info on this concept call 98405 44629 ( Revathi).
Four people have shown some interest in this concept for this year's Fest. Do spread the word.
You need to entertain one or two guests for starters. That should do!
Very Mylaporean to add to the Festival of 2012.
If you wish to have more info on this concept call 98405 44629 ( Revathi).
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Kolams as Art Exhibit/ On North Mada Street, Mylapore
This was an idea that popped up at Fest 2011, In january this year.
Why cannot we make an attempt to create an exhibiot out of the two weekend Kolam Contests that we hold?
Like an Art Installation on the Mylapore Street. . on the eastern end of North Mada Street.
Barricade the 100 plus kolams once the contest is over ( 5 pm), floodlight the area and allow people to enjoy the carpet of 100 kolams from 5 pm to 10 pm.
We are taking this idea to the City Police Commissioner soon. And knowing that J K Tripathy has been warm to community projects, he mayl be a supporter.
If you have ideas on how we can make this wow, please do email us. And if you want to volunteer here to keep an eye on the exhibit on the two evenings, please sign up.
Why cannot we make an attempt to create an exhibiot out of the two weekend Kolam Contests that we hold?
Like an Art Installation on the Mylapore Street. . on the eastern end of North Mada Street.
Barricade the 100 plus kolams once the contest is over ( 5 pm), floodlight the area and allow people to enjoy the carpet of 100 kolams from 5 pm to 10 pm.
We are taking this idea to the City Police Commissioner soon. And knowing that J K Tripathy has been warm to community projects, he mayl be a supporter.
If you have ideas on how we can make this wow, please do email us. And if you want to volunteer here to keep an eye on the exhibit on the two evenings, please sign up.
Elai Sapad on a Sunday in a Mylapore house
Elai Sapad on a gentle Sunday afternoon in margazhi January 2012.
That is the idea that we hope we can promote in a small way during this Festival.
The idea is simple - we are looking for people who love to cook a traditional elai sapad at their homes and serve it to guests on Jan.8, 2012.
We would prefer the household to have a Mylaporean setting at home - this will lend a special local feel to the guests.
The way it works is like this - we first sign up 4/5 Mylapore families willing to entertain guests on Jan 8, between 11 am and 2 pm for 2/3 rounds of elai sapad, then publicise the concept and offer to the world and allow you to sign up guests you can handle!
You do the booking, you plan the sapad and you fix the charge too. Don't make it a five star rate! But people will expect the very best!!
The idea of the Fest organisers is to promote the tradition of the Mylapore community at the Fest.
It is an idea that well wisher Sheela Rani Chunkath, IAS officer, now CMD of TN Handicrafts shared with us. Thank you Sheela Rani.
If you and your family want to be part of this, call Revathi at 98405 44629. Now.
That is the idea that we hope we can promote in a small way during this Festival.
The idea is simple - we are looking for people who love to cook a traditional elai sapad at their homes and serve it to guests on Jan.8, 2012.
We would prefer the household to have a Mylaporean setting at home - this will lend a special local feel to the guests.
The way it works is like this - we first sign up 4/5 Mylapore families willing to entertain guests on Jan 8, between 11 am and 2 pm for 2/3 rounds of elai sapad, then publicise the concept and offer to the world and allow you to sign up guests you can handle!
You do the booking, you plan the sapad and you fix the charge too. Don't make it a five star rate! But people will expect the very best!!
The idea of the Fest organisers is to promote the tradition of the Mylapore community at the Fest.
It is an idea that well wisher Sheela Rani Chunkath, IAS officer, now CMD of TN Handicrafts shared with us. Thank you Sheela Rani.
If you and your family want to be part of this, call Revathi at 98405 44629. Now.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
New Audio Visual Production
A new production is rolling for MF 2012. Its focus will be on less known communities of Mylapore. Like the weavers, the potters and the goldsmiths.
The production will present dance, mime, acts, narrtion, music and visuals on and off the stage.
It will be staged on all the 4 evenings of the Fest.
Wellknown Bharatanatyam dancer and guru Revathi Ramachandran of Chennai will put the show together.
It should run for about 40minutes.
Hopefully, we should record this show and have it up on YouTube.
The production will present dance, mime, acts, narrtion, music and visuals on and off the stage.
It will be staged on all the 4 evenings of the Fest.
Wellknown Bharatanatyam dancer and guru Revathi Ramachandran of Chennai will put the show together.
It should run for about 40minutes.
Hopefully, we should record this show and have it up on YouTube.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Calling young Mylapore musicians to contribute to a theme song!
A theme song for the Sundaram Finance MYLAPORE FESTIVAL 2012 is to be produced.
We are looking for young, talented Mylaporean artistes who will give their talent freely to the song and for interludes to be used in a dance-visual production on a Mylapore theme.
We now need 2 violinists ( classical), 4 voices ( trained in classical), one mirdangam artiste, one tabla artiste . . We prefer youngsters who are training in music for 2/3 years and enjoy this collaboration.
The song will be posted on the Fest web site and used in a dance production for the Fest.
Those selected will have to devote 2/3 hrs for 3/4 practise sessions in Nov and one/two recording sessions in the city.
All of them will get certificates and acknowledgement on the screen.
Keen to be part of this creative team?
Call Sridharini at 98412 33120.
Come. Design a Tee for Mylapore! Win!!
This is a contest for everybody - doodlers in school, kolam drawing experts, design/fashion students . . For creative people.
Show your creativity in designing a T-shirt for the annual MYLAPORE FESTIVAL ( to be held in Jan.2012). The design should reflect the spirit, uniqueness of Mylapore.
The design can be done using Adobe / CorelDraw design software.
HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:
Submit your design as a jpeg file or a PDF file (700 x 700 pixels size of minimum 150 dpi.) You may submit your design as a jpeg file through email to - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com
Please retain the original hi-res design with you. We will need it if your design wins the contest.
Please state your full name, address, email ID and contact phone number and a statement saying the design is your own creation.
Last date to submit your entry - Nov.29, 2011
PRIZES: The BEST DESIGN will WIN Rs.2000 AND A CERTIFICATE
TWO OTHER ENTRIES of good quality with get Certificate and a Gift.
The BEST submission for this contest may be used on a T-shirt planned for the Sundaram Finance MYLAPORE FESTIVAL 2012. Or, the best designer will be invited to create a unique design for future use.
( You can locate the winning 2011 Fest T-shirt design on the web site - www.mylaporefestival.com to give you some inspiration!).
We are back! Fest dates are Jan 5 to 8, 2012
Yes, we are back for the 2012 edition of the Fest.
Things have been rolling for some time but I haven't made time to jot them down here.
The dates to mark in January 2012 are 5, 6, 7 and 8. The kolam contests will be on 7th and 8th.
And we are rolling our first event soon. The Fest T-shirt contest.
Things have been rolling for some time but I haven't made time to jot them down here.
The dates to mark in January 2012 are 5, 6, 7 and 8. The kolam contests will be on 7th and 8th.
And we are rolling our first event soon. The Fest T-shirt contest.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thanks SF!
Time to say Thank You to our sponsors, Sundaram Finance.
Team SF was led personally by its chief exec, T T Srinivasaraghavan (TTS) and Vice President, Sivakumar.
It is that extra effort that SF puts into this Fest that we curate and host that makes things a tad easy.
Sunday's events ran smooth which enabled TTS to decorate the promoters of Dubba Chetty Store, Mylapore with the Pride of Mylapore award and hop across to the temple to take out the gold ther in a procession, a Fest idea that has been maintained all the years.
Thanks SF.
Team SF was led personally by its chief exec, T T Srinivasaraghavan (TTS) and Vice President, Sivakumar.
It is that extra effort that SF puts into this Fest that we curate and host that makes things a tad easy.
Sunday's events ran smooth which enabled TTS to decorate the promoters of Dubba Chetty Store, Mylapore with the Pride of Mylapore award and hop across to the temple to take out the gold ther in a procession, a Fest idea that has been maintained all the years.
Thanks SF.
Calling Creative People - for 2012
Yes, You are welcome to send us creative ideas, your production details and the rest for Fest 2012.
Now. Because plans roll out 2 days after a Fest closes. And surely you don't want to be late.
We have already signed up 3 new volunteers who just came back from the USA. And 2 artists who have an idea to share along the way.
A production for kids will float in mid year.
On the cards is a video fest of films made by youths and kids. Shooting will start in June.
Our email - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com
Now. Because plans roll out 2 days after a Fest closes. And surely you don't want to be late.
We have already signed up 3 new volunteers who just came back from the USA. And 2 artists who have an idea to share along the way.
A production for kids will float in mid year.
On the cards is a video fest of films made by youths and kids. Shooting will start in June.
Our email - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com
Sold Out!
The cloth bags promoted by sponsors Sundaram Finance were a big hit.
So were the Tees.
Till late on Sunday night, visitors checked out for bags at the Info Booth but by then the bags had been packed.
The demand for black Tees, with the peacock motif was high. Bookings have been made and a lot of 100 has been ordered.
If you want to grab the peacock motif black Tee, reserve one now. Or drop into the Mylapore Times office ( 2498 2244) next week after your Pongal festivities and buy one here ( Alwarpet).
I think we should have had more souvenirs. People love them.
Give us your ideas!
So were the Tees.
Till late on Sunday night, visitors checked out for bags at the Info Booth but by then the bags had been packed.
The demand for black Tees, with the peacock motif was high. Bookings have been made and a lot of 100 has been ordered.
If you want to grab the peacock motif black Tee, reserve one now. Or drop into the Mylapore Times office ( 2498 2244) next week after your Pongal festivities and buy one here ( Alwarpet).
I think we should have had more souvenirs. People love them.
Give us your ideas!
Thank you kids!
The Kids Zone had a nice start this year.
On Sunday, about 60 children signed up for various art/craft learning sessions at Lady Sivaswamy School hall. Magician Baba Prasad treated them and their parents to a magic show, real close!
Time now to think of raising the level of this act, threading it to other events for children and getting dozens and dozens of them to sign up.
We have some nice ideas for 2012.
Do share yours too. Write to us!
On Sunday, about 60 children signed up for various art/craft learning sessions at Lady Sivaswamy School hall. Magician Baba Prasad treated them and their parents to a magic show, real close!
Time now to think of raising the level of this act, threading it to other events for children and getting dozens and dozens of them to sign up.
We have some nice ideas for 2012.
Do share yours too. Write to us!
A Kolam Art Show?
This is being posted after the curtains came down on the 2011 Fest.
The focus was again on a few areas.
1. Kolam. The quality of kolam are Day 2 were very high. Judging was tough and the best got the prizes.
A thought came up - plan for a Kolam Art Exhibition whereby the road is barricaded and floodlights set up so that the 100 plus kolams can be viewed by the public from 5 pm to 11 pm.
What do you think of this idea?
2. A Saturday Night Fest - on the cards. If the Kolam Show gathers pace then small shows will run from 9.30 pm to 11 pm and the art and food streets will remain open late. The idea is to get Madras to come over to Mylapore and soak in late!
Good idea?
Send us yours!
The focus was again on a few areas.
1. Kolam. The quality of kolam are Day 2 were very high. Judging was tough and the best got the prizes.
A thought came up - plan for a Kolam Art Exhibition whereby the road is barricaded and floodlights set up so that the 100 plus kolams can be viewed by the public from 5 pm to 11 pm.
What do you think of this idea?
2. A Saturday Night Fest - on the cards. If the Kolam Show gathers pace then small shows will run from 9.30 pm to 11 pm and the art and food streets will remain open late. The idea is to get Madras to come over to Mylapore and soak in late!
Good idea?
Send us yours!
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Drizzles do not dampen the spirit
The clouds gathered on day two of the fest.
Dancer Premnath and his 35 young artistes were engrossed in their dance drama 'Andal Kalyanam' when tiny droplets started falling from the sky. But the little Andal went on inviting her friends to see the Lord through Tiruppavai.
The audience looked for a shelter for a few seconds but were back to their seats within no time. The finale was wonderful.
These challenges are common in fests in the open. Artistes understand. Audience co-operate.
And that makes the festival more colourful and enjoyable.
Dancer Premnath and his 35 young artistes were engrossed in their dance drama 'Andal Kalyanam' when tiny droplets started falling from the sky. But the little Andal went on inviting her friends to see the Lord through Tiruppavai.
The audience looked for a shelter for a few seconds but were back to their seats within no time. The finale was wonderful.
These challenges are common in fests in the open. Artistes understand. Audience co-operate.
And that makes the festival more colourful and enjoyable.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Sober start
Day One was cool and sober. Perhaps its nice to start a Fest this way. People settle down, things fall in place.
Day one needs time to settle volunteers, artistes, craftspeople and participants so that the streets come alive.
They did as the buzz got around.
And there was a nice round of applause for the first big dance drama show on the main stage by Revathi Ramachandran and her dancers.
If you are at the Fest, do mail us pictures and words. Or send us links of your blogposts.
Day one needs time to settle volunteers, artistes, craftspeople and participants so that the streets come alive.
They did as the buzz got around.
And there was a nice round of applause for the first big dance drama show on the main stage by Revathi Ramachandran and her dancers.
If you are at the Fest, do mail us pictures and words. Or send us links of your blogposts.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Long, long walk down Edward Elliots Road
Writer-historian V. Sriram says that he will need 21/2 hours to cover his Sunday Walk for the Mylapore Fest 2011.
That is because he has over 40 personalities to talk about on this Heriatge Walk ( Jan 9, starts 6 am at Gandhi statue on the Marina).
We've told him to keep going - if you are joining Sriram do carry some juice and biscuits!
No free breakfast here!
Or maybe we could have planned a breakfast sit-around.
What say you?
That is because he has over 40 personalities to talk about on this Heriatge Walk ( Jan 9, starts 6 am at Gandhi statue on the Marina).
We've told him to keep going - if you are joining Sriram do carry some juice and biscuits!
No free breakfast here!
Or maybe we could have planned a breakfast sit-around.
What say you?
Thamizh please!
We heard this loud and clear and have responded.
Fest schedules were printed in English and that was not enough.
So we printed a set in Thamizh and imagine the feedback thats come the way of our young volunteers who are doing the rounds of the lanes from 6 a.m.
They have been inviting families who live in the inner colonies to come for the Fest and enjoy it. People loved the steps that the volunteers took to personally invite them.
Communicate in Thamizh too - we got the message Mylapore !
Fest schedules were printed in English and that was not enough.
So we printed a set in Thamizh and imagine the feedback thats come the way of our young volunteers who are doing the rounds of the lanes from 6 a.m.
They have been inviting families who live in the inner colonies to come for the Fest and enjoy it. People loved the steps that the volunteers took to personally invite them.
Communicate in Thamizh too - we got the message Mylapore !
Good feedback on Discover Mylapore!
25 teams took part in this year's Discover Mylapore contest we held on Sunday.
And the feedback is so strong that we feel good about hosting it.
School students said they enjoyed the trip and got to know a part of Mylapore better.
We plan to host this event in a different format for 2012. Families will have to sign up.
And there will be a picnic feel to it.
Thanks folks for making us feel good about this event.
Special thanks to Suri K J who lends a hand always.
And the feedback is so strong that we feel good about hosting it.
School students said they enjoyed the trip and got to know a part of Mylapore better.
We plan to host this event in a different format for 2012. Families will have to sign up.
And there will be a picnic feel to it.
Thanks folks for making us feel good about this event.
Special thanks to Suri K J who lends a hand always.
Look for the Cloth Bags!
SF, the Fest sponsor will continue its 'lets go green' campaign through this Fest the way it did last year.
So all those who carry plastic bags in the Fest area will have to part with those for new cloth bags.
They look great in design. Ask for one, for free.
So all those who carry plastic bags in the Fest area will have to part with those for new cloth bags.
They look great in design. Ask for one, for free.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Stella Maris' PR Team is Out!
We are happy to have a team from the PR Studies Dept of Stella Maris College.
Their Head, Prof. Sundari was glad to let her girls work on this event.
A set of girls are doing the rounds of the mada veedhis distributing the Fest invites to all the stores and households. A personal touch here.
Another team will invite women who design great kolams but never get to read about the Fest, to sign up this year for the grand Kolam Contests (Jan 8 and ( afternoon).
A promo on a bullock cart and some nadaswaram would have made a huge impact this margazhi - we may think of this next year.
If there are other creative college groups who wish to work alongside this Fest, buzz us now.
Their Head, Prof. Sundari was glad to let her girls work on this event.
A set of girls are doing the rounds of the mada veedhis distributing the Fest invites to all the stores and households. A personal touch here.
Another team will invite women who design great kolams but never get to read about the Fest, to sign up this year for the grand Kolam Contests (Jan 8 and ( afternoon).
A promo on a bullock cart and some nadaswaram would have made a huge impact this margazhi - we may think of this next year.
If there are other creative college groups who wish to work alongside this Fest, buzz us now.
Want to Volunteer?
The volunteers are having a meeting on Sunday, Jan.2.
We always get a cheery bunch of 60yearolds, 30yearolds and the odd teenager.
If you want to devote 3 hrs a day for four days at the Fest sign up at - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com
Revathi is the co ordinator.
You get a Tee and a cert. No big cash!
We always get a cheery bunch of 60yearolds, 30yearolds and the odd teenager.
If you want to devote 3 hrs a day for four days at the Fest sign up at - mylaporefestival@yahoo.com
Revathi is the co ordinator.
You get a Tee and a cert. No big cash!
Two Contests on January 2. Come over!
We just finished fine tuning the clues for the Discover Mylapore contest.
Could we have made it a tad tough?
You tell us after the test on Sunday afternoon. Lets meet at 3.30 p.m. at Nageswarar Rao Park, Luz.
Three to a team. Come in with your friends - this can be fun when you bike around with a clue sheet to check out landmarks and pop spots in the area and find answers to our queries.
There is another contest at the Park. For kids who draw well with kolams.
A sit-design-think-colour kind of creative test.
We were astonished at the creative juices that came up last year.
Come over and watch this event.
Could we have made it a tad tough?
You tell us after the test on Sunday afternoon. Lets meet at 3.30 p.m. at Nageswarar Rao Park, Luz.
Three to a team. Come in with your friends - this can be fun when you bike around with a clue sheet to check out landmarks and pop spots in the area and find answers to our queries.
There is another contest at the Park. For kids who draw well with kolams.
A sit-design-think-colour kind of creative test.
We were astonished at the creative juices that came up last year.
Come over and watch this event.
A Green T-shirt. And another with a Peacock Motif!
There will be two Tees on sale at the Fest.
One created using the prize winning design, a orangy blue peacock.
And another that our sponsor, Sundaram Finance has created with a green, green theme.
Both should appeal to you. So when you are at the Fest buy both.
The peacock motif will be available in black and in white base colour.
We have not decided on the prices. But you can afford them. And your friends abroad would love them as gifts!
One created using the prize winning design, a orangy blue peacock.
And another that our sponsor, Sundaram Finance has created with a green, green theme.
Both should appeal to you. So when you are at the Fest buy both.
The peacock motif will be available in black and in white base colour.
We have not decided on the prices. But you can afford them. And your friends abroad would love them as gifts!
Walking with Kids! And GSLV goes up in flames
I didnt have a decent Christmas party!
I always celebrate it with Pongal or thereafter - well after the 'season' and the Mylapore Fest is done.
We had a Photowalk for Kids on Christmas Day.
Eleven kids came along - with their cameras.
We started off at the 16-pillared mantap outside Sri Kapali Temple, with Revathi as the team leader.
And the kids soon found that there was a lot to shoot.
Then suddenly, we caught up with a group on Ponnambala Vadyar Street which gazed at a huge spiral of smoke and fumes in the skies. Word came in that the GSLV launch from Sriharikota had been aborted and the launch vehicle destroyed. Some of the kids captured this on cam.
Whew! What a slow walk it was. And what a wonderful end at a heritage house on South Mada Street where Kalathi's rosemilk was served and the best pictures downloaded on to a Mac.
Look out for the photo exhibition at the 'theradi' during the Fest.
Please Note: The senior Chennai PhotoWalkers are offering some of their best photos (framed) as souvenirs at the Fest. Classic pictures taken in Mylapore. Check them out at the Info Booth.
I always celebrate it with Pongal or thereafter - well after the 'season' and the Mylapore Fest is done.
We had a Photowalk for Kids on Christmas Day.
Eleven kids came along - with their cameras.
We started off at the 16-pillared mantap outside Sri Kapali Temple, with Revathi as the team leader.
And the kids soon found that there was a lot to shoot.
Then suddenly, we caught up with a group on Ponnambala Vadyar Street which gazed at a huge spiral of smoke and fumes in the skies. Word came in that the GSLV launch from Sriharikota had been aborted and the launch vehicle destroyed. Some of the kids captured this on cam.
Whew! What a slow walk it was. And what a wonderful end at a heritage house on South Mada Street where Kalathi's rosemilk was served and the best pictures downloaded on to a Mac.
Look out for the photo exhibition at the 'theradi' during the Fest.
Please Note: The senior Chennai PhotoWalkers are offering some of their best photos (framed) as souvenirs at the Fest. Classic pictures taken in Mylapore. Check them out at the Info Booth.
Slow start on Blog
Now why did I neglect this blog when the Fest preparations had rolled 2 months ago?
I dont have an answer.
Perhaps we got swamped with the December season ( www.kutcheribuzz.com).
We pulled up the Fest dates because we felt margazhi is the best time to have such a Fest.
We hope we are right.
And we are harrdly a week away and cant think of a decent New Year celebration!
I dont have an answer.
Perhaps we got swamped with the December season ( www.kutcheribuzz.com).
We pulled up the Fest dates because we felt margazhi is the best time to have such a Fest.
We hope we are right.
And we are harrdly a week away and cant think of a decent New Year celebration!
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