Chennai Sangamam 2026 burst into life as a vibrant celebration of cultures, bringing together diverse art forms from across India. The festival, which ran from January 15 to 18, transformed the city into a cultural hub with events scheduled at twenty different locations.
A Fashion Show with a Folk Twist
One of the standout events was a unique fashion show held at the Egmore museum on Saturday. Instead of using celebrity models, organizers chose folk artistes to showcase traditional weaves. Cooptex managing director Kavitha Ramu explained the innovative approach. She said they wanted to promote saris through the very custodians of grassroots heritage.
"Usually, promotions of saris in the state are associated with well-known faces. This time, we thought, why not promote them through our very own folk artistes," Ramu told TOI.
Artistes as Models
Thirty-three artistes walked the ramp, including transgender Bharatanatyam dancers, gaana singers, and oyilattam folk dancers. They wore a stunning range of weavers' works, from Kanchipuram and Thirubuvanam silks to Sungudi saris from Madurai.
Kavi Mani, a lecturer at Government College of Fine Arts in Chennai and an organizer, highlighted the connection to Sangam literature. He noted extensive references to the importance of clothing, or aadai, in the ancient texts.
Northeastern Performances Enthrall Audiences
Beyond the fashion show, the festival featured captivating performances from northeastern states. At Elliot's Beach in Besant Nagar, crowds gathered to watch and take pictures with performers after their shows.
Juntara Doley, a dancer from Assam's Mising community, shared insights into their presentation. "We performed a series of dances signifying prosperity before the harvest back home," Doley said. The Mising community is one of the largest tribal groups in Assam.
Manipuri Dance at Saidapet
In Saidapet, dancer Meneka Ngasepam performed the Lai Haraoba dance at a local playground. This traditional Manipuri dance symbolizes the creation of life and the growth of civilization. Ngasepam, who runs the Meneka Nritya Academy in Moirang, Manipur, expressed her joy at the audience's response.
"After performing, we were felicitated with a shawl, and many walked up to us to say we performed beautifully," she said.
An Educative Experience for Visitors
The festival attracted visitors from outside Chennai, offering them a rich learning opportunity. Bhavya Rao, an arts student from Hyderabad, found the event particularly enlightening. She came to Chennai to visit a friend and ended up attending the festival daily.
"I learnt about folk art forms from across the country and even got an idea for my final-year project," Rao said. Her experience underscores the festival's role in promoting cultural education.
MP Kanimozhi's Vision
Chennai Sangamam is the brainchild of MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi. The festival initially aimed to showcase Tamil Nadu's rural heritage. Recent editions have expanded to include art forms from northeastern states and other regions like Gujarat.
This year, about 1,500 artistes participated, making it one of the largest cultural gatherings in the city. The event successfully blended traditional performances with contemporary presentations like the fashion show, creating a refreshing celebration of India's diverse cultural tapestry.
