The Pongal pot boils over with creativity at Mandaveli Raja Street

Mandaveli, Chennai: On January 11, Mandaveli Raja Street exploded into heartwarming puffs of extravagant colours, defined by tradition and redefined by modern sensibilities. Its Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) once again honoured its promise, conducing the much awaited annual theme-based kolam competition alongside the Pongal festival. What made this edition riveting was the greater challenge tossed to participants in the form of a rather unusual theme — “Media World” (ஊடக உலகு). The neighbourhood transformed into a vibrant hub of art and culture, with residents and guests joining hands to celebrate unity and creativity.

The best for saved for the last: the Kolam competition ushered in the vesper shadows. Participants were challenged to depict the influence of media on society through intricate rangolis. The competition was divided into three categories: Category A for Raja Street residents, Category B for guest teams from across Chennai, and Category C for children. A total of 20 teams participated, including eight guest teams from Avadi, Madhavaram, K.K. Nagar, Ramapuram, Mylapore and Mandaveli. Six enthusiastic children’s teams also joined, with one participant from nearby R.K. Nagar, proving that the younger generation was equally eager to stamp social messaging with eye-catching art.