Chettinad heritage and cultural festival to celebrate tamil history, food, and tradition
Karaikudi: The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival will run from September 18 to 21, inviting visitors to explore Tamil history, culture, and cuisine in the heart of Chettinad.
The festival offers a close look at the traditions of the Nattukottai Chettiar community. Guests can learn stories of formidable Chettiar women, discover textile trade ties between India and South East Asia, and taste local favorites like soft kola urundais.
Tours will take visitors through century-old mansions built by the mercantile Chettiar community in the 19th Century. The expansive homes feature Burma teak pillars, Belgian chandeliers, and Italian marble flooring, reflecting the community’s travel and work across South-East Asia.
The event began five editions ago when The Bangala founder Meenakshi Meyyappan and late general manager Yacob George decided to start the festival. Leela Samson curated the first edition with around 70-80 guests.
“Yacob George asked if we could do it, and I said yes,” Mrs. Meyyappan said. “We knew that Leela was the person for the job. She chartered out the whole programme and that is how the first edition went.” Since then, the festival has grown, giving more people a chance to experience Chettinad’s rich heritage, architecture, and food.
