Chennai Brand Hosts Mid-Year Margazhi to Spotlight Carnatic Music and Kanchipuram Heritage

Chennai-based clothing brand Aavaranaa is organising a unique mid-year Margazhi festival from June 19 to 21, aimed at showcasing Carnatic music and the cultural heritage of Kanchipuram. The event, held at the brand's store, marks the first time the space will host intimate gatherings.

Vijayalakshmi Krishna, founder of Aavaranaa, explained that the festival is a deliberate shift from the usual December-January concert season in Chennai. 'Much of the performances in Chennai are clustered around December and January. We wanted to change that,' she said.

The three-day festival begins with a Carnatic vocal performance by Brindha Manickavasakan on June 19. On June 20, historian Chitra Madhavan will give a talk on Kanchipuram's historic temples, including the Kailasanathar temple and the Varadaraja Perumal temple. The festival concludes on June 21 with a concert by Carnatic artiste Rithvik Raja.

Aavaranaa, which started as a saree brand two decades ago, has maintained a focus on Indian textiles and the artisans behind them. The brand works with a small group of weavers and artisans from Kanchipuram, a town known for its temple architecture and silk weaving. 'Kanjeevaram weaves are excessively used in sarees but they make for great pieces in our ready-to-wear collection too,' Krishna noted. She added that the performers will weave the story of Kanchipuram into their presentations.

Krishna hopes that hosting events at the store will provide a platform for emerging talent, particularly upcoming artistes. The festival is free to attend, but registration is required.