Chennai's Iconic Island Grounds Fair Marks 50 Years of Cultural and Commercial Heritage
The India Tourism and Industrial Fair, popularly known as 'Sutrula Porutkatchi,' at Island Grounds in Chennai has completed 50 years. The 70-day annual event, which began in 1974 as the Pongal Tourist Trade Fair, was conceived and named by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Over the decades, it has served as a family-friendly destination for shopping, entertainment, and cultural exhibitions.
Residents recall the fair's early days when families would visit to buy kitchen appliances, enjoy toy train rides, and savour local snacks like large pappads and chilli bajjis. The fair originally featured a rural scene with a temple, huts, and a canal, along with an amusement park, mini zoo, and stalls from government departments, Air India, and the Coffee Board. In 1989, Karunanidhi renamed it the India Tourism and Industrial Fair, emphasising its tourism and educational value.
The fair has evolved over time. Initially organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, it is now managed by a private contractor on a profit-sharing basis. The 6.5-acre site, originally owned by the Ministry of Defence, was transferred to the state government in the 1980s. It has hosted horticulture shows, dog shows, book exhibitions, and food fairs featuring star hotels and local specialities.
Notable moments include a 1982 food fair where Chettinad speciality Kothamalli Kashayam won a prize for best nutritious low-cost food, and the 1989 theme '350 years of Madras,' which showcased the city's growth through photographs. Despite occasional scares, the fair remains a cherished institution for Chennai's residents.
