Mylapore Festival to honour 50-year-old houses

In its 15th year, Mylapore Festival has begun a small outreach programme to honour owners of houses that are 50 years and older, who are maintaining their abodes well as part of heritage conservation. “To begin with, old houses in the four Mada Streets of Mylapore are being documented by architects. The idea is to reward some of them who have maintained the structures well and feel proud of their heritage,” said Vincent D’Souza, the pioneering spirit behind the Mylapore Festival.

It began as a ‘kolam’ contest’ in 2001, with Sundaram Finance being the sole sponsor, and has grown into a big street festival where the seasoned, the ordinary and the unsung heroes are all offered a platform to display their talent. This year the four-day festival which began on January 9 has over 30 events and around 300 artistes performing. The trademark ‘kolam’ contest attracted a huge amount of participation this year as well, even though the organisers toned down the festivities this year in keeping with the sombre mood prevailing from the floods of last month. 

However, the crowds have refused to stay away. On Saturday evening, the Mada streets were bustling with activity. Many like Pavithra S and Harini P had come to admire the ‘kolams’ and the ancient houses. Some came to listen to the ‘vintage Hindi music concert.’ 

Sambandam, a retiree who resides in Navalur now, but grew up in Mylapore,  said , “This is an opportunity to ‘connect with my roots, and I am sending a selfie taken here to my grandchildren in the US,” he said. “They like to hear stories of old Mylapore,” he added. 

Street vendors, particularly the one dishing up hot food did a roaring business, as did the ‘narikuravas’ (gypsies) selling friendship bands, ear rings and other stuff. The only grey spot was the vehicular traffic, as always lacking in discipline when the cops were away.