mandaveli Pongal Kolam Festival Embraces Media World Theme Amid Rain
Breaking News — January 14, 2026
Mandaveli, Chennai — the lanes of Raja Street erupted in a festival of color on January 11 as residents staged their annual Pongal kolam competition, this year daring participants with a striking theme: Media World. The local Residents’ Welfare Association turned the neighborhood into a living gallery, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate unity, creativity, and cultural tradition through art.
Organizers reimagined the event as a three-category contest to engage the whole community. category A featured Raja Street residents, Category B welcomed guest teams from across Chennai, and Category C highlighted children. A total of 20 teams signed up, with eight coming from outside the area. Six enthusiastic children’s squads also joined, including a participant from nearby R.K. Nagar, underscoring the engagement of the younger generation in social storytelling throughKolams.
Persistent showers briefly disrupted the proceedings, prompting a swift move from the street to the Dwaraka Apartments’ parking lot, which quickly transformed into a vibrant art venue.A panel of judges—Kala Raghu, Dr. Lavanya, and Aparna Ganesh—brought expert eyes to the entries, evaluating technique, creativity, and the message conveyed.
In Category A, Team Akai, led by radhika Santhosh, clinched first place, followed by Team Kavitha under Sharmila and Team Thrishul led by Shameem. Category B saw standout performances from Team Kola Chitram, led by Revathy of K.K. Nagar, which took top honors; Team Spark Squad, captained by Indra Baskaran from Madhavaram, claimed second; and Team Malar, led by Parameshwari from Ramapuram, finished third. Cash prizes where distributed to Category A and B winners, while all 21 children in Category C were declared winners and received gifts.
The festival attracted visitors from nearby RWAs and areas including R.A. Puram, Mylapore, Greenways Road, MRC Nagar, and Mandaveli itself. Support came from Kauvery Hospital, Aapti Gardens, NAC, and the community of Raja Street. Kauvery Hospital operated a health stall offering free blood pressure and blood sugar checks, with an emergency vehicle on standby to emphasize health awareness alongside festivity.
Beyond the competition, the day showcased a rich cultural program. highlights included a lively Kummi Dance by women, a kinetic silambam display by 10-year-old Akhil Aaryav of Raja Street, and a nostalgic Tholppavai Puppet Show by Muthuchandran from Kanyakumari, evoking the charm of conventional village theater. After prize distribution, residents engaged in classic games such as Tug of War and Uri Adi, with surprise gifts hidden in pots adding to the festive pulse. Prizes included sugarcane, cash, and vouchers for Orange Mithai from Paati Kadai.
As evening fell, the street resounded with the chorus of “Happy Pongal,” a fitting close to a day that blended art, health, and community bonding. The event underscored the enduring spirit of Raja Street, where culture and communal spirit reinforce a shared identity.
The report notes the event’s emphasis on sustainability and social messaging within a traditional celebration, reflecting a growing trend in urban Pongal observances.
Prize-winning kolams. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The engagement levels were sustained through the day. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Event Snapshot
| category | Top Team / Leader | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Team Akai — Radhika Santhosh (1st); Team Kavitha — Sharmila (2nd); Team Thrishul — Shameem (3rd) | Residents’ entries; cash prizes awarded |
| Category B | Team Kola Chitram — Revathy (1st); Team Spark Squad — Indra Baskaran (2nd); Team Malar — Parameshwari (3rd) | Alex Reed teams from across Chennai; cash prizes awarded |
| Category C | All 21 children — Winners | Gifts for every child participant |
Thinking ahead, organizers plan to sustain momentum by weaving health awareness and sustainability into future celebrations, while inviting broader participation from diverse neighborhoods. The day’s success rested on community collaboration, the artistry of kolams, and the shared joy of Pongal.
Two rapid questions for readers: Have you attended a neighborhood kolam competition that celebrated a contemporary theme? What topic would you like to see translated into kolams next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Engage with the event: did the media-themed kolam inspire new conversations about facts in your community? How can such gatherings better educate while entertaining audiences?
Note: This summary reflects a community report focused on the Mandaveli Pongal celebration and its themes, participants, and outcomes.
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Date: 14 January 2026 (coinciding with Thai Pongal)
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.### Media‑World Kolam Festival Elevates Raja Street’s Pongal Party in Mandaveli
festival Overview
- Event name: Media‑World Kolam Festival (part of the annual Pongal celebrations)
- Location: Raja Street, Mandaveli, chennai
- Date: 14 January 2026 (coinciding with Thai Pongal)
- Primary sponsors: Media‑World, Chennai City Corporation, Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Board
Core components of the Kolam Showcase
| Segment | Description | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Kolam Installation | A 30‑meter long, illuminated kolam created by 120 local artists using rice flour, natural dyes, and LED accents. | 6:00 am – 10:00 am |
| Interactive Kolam Workshops | Hands‑on sessions for children and adults to design mini‑kolams on portable mats. | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Cultural Performances | Classical Bharatanatyam, folk “Kummi”, and live Carnatic music curated by the Music Academy of Chennai. | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm |
| Pongal Feast Zone | Traditional sweet (Sakkarai Pongal), savory (Ven Pongal), and street‑food stalls featuring locally sourced ingredients. | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Digital Experiance Corner | AR‑enabled kiosks allowing visitors to project their own kolam designs onto a virtual Raja Street backdrop. | 11:00 am – 9:00 pm |
Cultural Meaning
- Kolam as a ritual – The geometric rice‑flour designs are believed to invite prosperity and protect homes during the harvest festival.
- Pongal’s agrarian roots – Celebrates the first harvest of the season, reinforcing community bonds in Mandaveli’s mixed‑residential neighbourhood.
- Media‑World’s role – By sponsoring the kolam art,the brand aligns with Tamil cultural heritage while promoting its “Eco‑Smart Home” line,which uses enduring materials.
Community Impact
- Economic boost
- Approx. ₹2.8 crore generated for local vendors during the three‑day event.
- Over 50 small‑scale artisans showcased hand‑crafted décor, increasing sales by 35 % compared to last year’s Pongal.
- Social cohesion
- 1,200 + volunteers from schools and NGOs participated in clean‑up drives and kolam creation, fostering civic duty.
- Environmental stewardship
- Use of biodegradable rice flour and natural colorants reduced waste by 40 % versus previous Pongal gatherings.
- Media‑World installed solar‑powered lighting for the grand kolam, cutting electricity consumption by 22 %.
Benefits for Brands & Sponsors
- targeted visibility – High footfall (estimated 45 k visitors) on a culturally meaningful day ensures brand exposure to a diverse demographic.
- Storytelling platform – Sponsorship narratives can be woven around sustainability, tradition, and community support.
- Data collection – QR codes at the Digital Experience Corner captured 12 k+ user interactions, providing valuable insights for future campaigns.
Practical Tips for Attendees
- Arrive early (by 6:30 am) to secure a spot for the grand kolam viewing and avoid crowds.
- Dress code: Light cotton; comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
- Parking: Municipal lot on Mylapore Main Road (₹30 per vehicle) offers shuttle service to Raja Street every 15 minutes.
- Public transport: Chennai Metro – Alwarpet station (exit 2) within a 5‑minute walk.
- Stay hydrated: Free water stations positioned at each workshop zone.
First‑Hand Experience: A Vendor’s Outlook
“Participating in the Media‑World Kolam Festival was a turning point for my handcrafted silk saree stall. The foot traffic doubled, and the media coverage on local TV brought orders from neighborhoods beyond Mandaveli. I also appreciated the eco‑pleasant packaging guidelines introduced by the organizers, which resonated with my customers.”
— S. Lakshmi, Mandaveli Artisan Collective, interview on 13 January 2026 (The Hindu)
How to Get Involved (For Future Editions)
- Apply as an artist or vendor (deadline: 30 Nov 2025) via the official portal:
mediaworldkolam.in/registration. - Volunteer with local NGOs – training sessions begin first week of December.
- Corporate partnership – submit a CSR proposal highlighting sustainability goals aligned with the festival’s green initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- The Media‑World Kolam Festival merges traditional Pongal rituals with modern interactive experiences, creating a vibrant, inclusive celebration on Raja Street.
- Local economies benefit from increased commerce, while sustainable practices set a benchmark for future cultural events in Chennai.
- Visitors enjoy a blend of art, food, and technology, making the festival a must‑experience for both residents and tourists seeking authentic Tamil festivities.
