Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The first synagogue in the city was built in 1600. It was located at Coral Merchants Street in the Muthialpet district.
✏️ Anime festival
Anime enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the Japanese animation art form.
What’s it about? The Abk Aōts Dōsōkai in Aminjikarai was the venue for a day-long celebration of Japanese anime. Over 200 fans and participants of all ages gathered for quizzes, singing contests, and cosplays.
- The venue’s walls were adorned with Japanese artwork and decorations to resemble the streets of Akihabara, Tokyo’s anime hub. The air was filled with anime soundtracks playing throughout the day.
- The festivities began with an anime quiz. Then came a drawing contest as renowned artist Hiroyoshi Takeda watched. There was a cosplay showcase with fans dressed up as their favourite characters.
👩🎓 STEM courses
The Chennai Corporation held a training programme to set the stage for a STEM residential programme.
What’s it about? The Chennai Corporation conducted a seminar ahead of a science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) residential programme for 56 top-performing students and their parents. The programme will help students gain awareness about possible STEM career routes.
- Based on their marks, students were shortlisted from 33 higher secondary schools. Around 40 of them are girls. The one-year programme will begin in the last week of this month.
- The students will have access to school libraries at the Nungambakkam Higher Secondary School for girls and the Choolaimedu Higher Secondary School for boys. They’ll be given study material and guides.
Testimonies: At the orientation programme, alumni of the Model School Programme currently studying courses in institutions like the National Institutes of Fashion Technology (NIFTs) and IITs provided their insight.
🎭 Cultural extravaganza
The Mixtura Vizha showcased different art forms across three locations.
What’s it about? The Gandhi Mandapam, Anna Nagar Tower Park, and the Central Railway station were home to different cultural programmes with live performances. The performances ranged from Sufi music, Tamil poetry, storytelling, Carnatic music, and even traditional Tamil acrobatics.
- Carnatic vocalist Brindha Manickavasakan performed at Tower Park. Up next was young storyteller Gabrial Gladson taking the audience into a world of love and romance.
- At the Gandhi Mandapam, there was a mallar kambam display.
Personalised storytelling: Part of the festivities also included audio installations to present a new and more intimate medium of storytelling. It had a person’s brief account of their life in Chennai.
🎨 Teaching old art forms
Dewakar and his Life and Art Academy help Chennaites learn about traditional art forms.
What’s it about? With the Life and Art Academy, founder Dewakar Chandran wants the younger generation to learn about their cultural identity. Traditional forms like pottery, sculpting, and Tanjore painting have evolved over time.
- According to Dewakar, sculpting and Tanjore painting have evolved so that modern and traditional methods go hand-in-hand without their original essence getting lost. They, along with something like pottery, represent Tamil history and culture.
- The current generation is more open to being artists by giving up their usual desk jobs. They’re more interested and have more avenues to learn about traditional art forms. It also helps bridge any generation gaps.
Role of technology: Social media has played a role in revitalising some ancient art forms. Dewakar says these art forms can evolve with technology, but there’s always the danger that it can destroy them as well.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- The Circle of Love Festival is a music and art extravaganza happening on Saturday.
- Aravind SA presents his new standup comedy special this Saturday.
- Ten-Ally-Drama is a multi-day theatre festival bringing aspiring talent under one roof this weekend.
- Enjoy a live performance of songs from iconic musicals this Saturday at Broadway-A Music Concert.
- Chennai Pupper Party is a day filled with fun activities and games for your canine buddy on Sunday.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I have faced prolonged power cuts this summer: 60.0% 🏆
- I haven’t faced prolonged power cuts this summer: 40.0%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s the best way to experience and learn about Chennai’s history?
Chitra: “Go on guided walking tours.”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!