Karaikudi Nagarathar Sangam Chennai Hosts ‘Karaikudi Sandhai 2026’
Chennai: Continuing its mission to promote entrepreneurship and celebrate Chettinad’s rich cultural heritage, the Karaikudi Nagarathar Sangam Chennai (KNSC) successfully hosted ‘Karaikudi Sandhai 2026’ on January 4 at the Ramachandra Convention Centre.
The event witnessed an overwhelming response, drawing over 12,000 visitors, and emerged as a significant milestone in community-driven commerce by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern enterprise.
The exhibition featured 149 women entrepreneurs who showcased a wide range of products, along with a special segment for 70 young “Kidpreneurs”, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills among children.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore an extensive collection of Chettinad cultural treasures, including traditional jewellery such as Kazhuthuru and Gowrisangam, Chettinad baskets, vegan silk sarees and handmade crochet bags. The event also highlighted the region’s artistic and architectural legacy through detailed pencil sketches of historic Chettinad mansions and displays of high-quality traditional household utensils.
Authentic Chettinad cuisine was another major attraction, with food stalls serving traditional delicacies on banana leaves, offering visitors a rich and immersive culinary experience.
Organisers said the 2026 edition of Karaikudi Sandhai went beyond being a marketplace, serving as a platform for economic empowerment and cultural preservation. By connecting traditional artisans and emerging entrepreneurs with a wider audience, KNSC continues to strengthen livelihoods while ensuring that Chettinad’s heritage remains relevant for future generations.
