Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2026 from Jan 8–11

Chennai: The 22nd edition of the much-loved Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival will take place from January 8 to 11, 2026, bringing Chennai’s historic neighbourhood alive with music, dance, art, and heritage.

The festival, now a cultural landmark in the city’s calendar, will showcase classical concerts, heritage walks, kolam contests, street theatre, and traditional crafts, transforming Mylapore’s public spaces into a vibrant cultural canvas. Over 150 artistes, including school children and performers from Tiruchi and Tiruppur, will take the stage across four evenings.

Sustainability & Community Initiatives

This year, Sundaram Finance, in partnership with EFI (Environmental Foundation of India), will launch the BlueGreen Mile initiative to promote eco-friendly living. Citizens will be trained to set up kitchen gardens under the “Grow Your Food” programme and join the BlueGreen Club, a nationwide network of urban gardeners mentored by EFI.

The company’s Green Task Force (GTF) will scale this initiative across its branches, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

For the 15th consecutive year, the festival will also champion the “Say No to Plastic Bags” campaign, distributing 10,000 cloth bags in exchange for plastic. EFI volunteers will engage the public with interactive games to highlight the harmful effects of plastic. In addition, the “Keep Mylapore Clean” campaign will raise awareness about hygiene and sanitation.

Cultural Highlights

• Kutcheris at Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple: Daily morning concerts (7–8 am) featuring vocal and instrumental performances.
• Children’s Events: Chess tournaments (under-8, under-10, under-12) and art workshops in paper quilling and pot painting at Lady Sivasamy Ayyar School on January 10–11.
• Heritage Walks: Eight curated walks exploring Mylapore’s heritage houses, temples, Mandavelipakkam, Muslim roots, and famed snack stalls. A special cycle tour for children is also planned.
• Kolam & Rangoli Contests: Over 200 participants expected on North Mada Street on January 10–11 evenings.

Spirit of Mylapore Award

Instituted in 2009, the Spirit of Mylapore Award honours individuals or institutions that have significantly contributed to the neighbourhood’s culture and heritage. The 16th edition of the award will be presented on January 11 at 6.30 pm at the main stage.

Voices from the Festival

Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director of Sundaram Finance, said: “The Mylapore Festival reflects our enduring commitment to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage. By supporting the arts in open, inclusive spaces, we aim to nurture community engagement and pass traditions on to future generations.”

Festival Director Vincent D’Souza added: “The 2026 Festival has several special features. With over 150 artistes, eight heritage walks, and vibrant contests, this edition promises to celebrate Mylapore’s spirit like never before.”