Events in the neighbourhood – WE 6 Apr 2025

Looking for excitement? Adyar has it! This week’s calendar is packed with events for all tastes: immerse yourself in arts and music, find your zen with yoga, engage with environmental activities, enjoy games and puzzles or get trained in various skills. Make the most of your week in Adyar!

Arts and music

Hamsadhwani’s 35th Music, Dance & Drama Festival

Hamsadhwani is hosting the 35th Festival of Music, Dance, and Drama until April 2025. At Youth Hostel, 2nd Avenue, Indira Nagar, Adyar. Membership is open. Ph: 97909 09567. Schedule for this week at 6.15 pm:

• Apr.6: Rama Navami special vocal by Bharat Sundar with Sayee Rakshit (violin), Trivandrum Balaji (mridangam), Sai Subramaniam (morsing); 
• Apr.12: Vocal by K.Gayathri with M.Vijay (violin), Delhi Sairam (mridangam);
• Apr.13: Vocal by Ramakrishnan Murthy with Sayee Rakshit (violin), N.C.Bharadwaj (mridangam), Anirudh Athreya (kanjeera);

Thirukkural Arangam

Adyar Thirukkural Sangam is conducting Thirukkural Arangam – 287 on April 6 at Chennai High School, Adyar, from 10 am. K.Sundaramoorthy, Addl Director of Technical Education, will present the keynote address. At Kamarajar Avenue, Adyar. Ph: 94445 04026 and 97907 55705.

Festivals

Ramanavami fest at Karpagam Gardens

Karpagam Gardens Satsangh, Adyar  is celebrating the 44th year of celebrations of Sri Ramanavami and Seethakalyanam Mahotsavam from Mar.31 to Apr.12. Pooja schedule:

Daily Sahasranama recitation (6.30 am) and Ashtothra Archanai (6.30 pm). Apr.10: Pradosham – Mahanyasa Parayanam (4 pm), Abhishekam with Veda Parayanam followed by Thrusadi and Ashtrothra Archanai (5 pm). Apr.11: Panguni Uthiram – Abhishekam (7.30 am), Sri Ayyappan Bhajans by by Karpagam Gardens Namasankeerthanam Group (3 pm); Apr.12: Ashtapathi (10 am); Apr.13: Events start at 6.30 am – Unchavruthi, Bhagavatha Sampradaya, Seetha Kalyanan Mahotsavam and Sri Anjaneya Utsavam. Evening specials:

• Apr.6 at 7 pm: Violin by Kalaimamani Dr.M.Narmada & party;
• Apr.7 to 11 at 7 pm: Sundara Kandam discourse by Sengalipuram Sri Sankararama Deekshithar;
• Apr.12 at 6.30 pm: Bhajans by Ganasmruthi Bhajan Mandali
• Apr.13 at 6 pm: Procession of Sri Rama Pattabhishekam Picture; Bhajans by  Sri Anantha Pandamabha Swamy Bhakta Mandali; Nadaswaram by Villupuram E. Perumal & party.

Health

Sahaja Yoga Meditation: A Path to Inner Well-being

Experience joy, confidence, and balance in both physical and mental health through Kundalini awakening with Sahaja Yoga Meditation. “The constant practice of meditation in Sahaja Yoga enhances emotional stability by helping you self-regulate your emotions and respond to life’s stress reflectively, rather than reflexively,” says a statement from Sahaja Yoga Institute. This holistic practice, which includes music and meditation, offers a free introductory session on Apr.6 at 5 pm at BMG Mahal, Thiruvanmiyur. Ph: 80562 44110, 94454 82174.

Humour club

Besant Nagar Humour Club and Sea View Apartments (HB) Owner’s Welfare Association invite all for an evening of laughter. Members who wish to participate in the joke session should give their names at the hall beforehand. Senior Cardiologist Dr. G. Deepak will be the guest for the day. On Apr.6 at 5 pm at Sea View Apartments’ (HB) Owners’ Welfare Association Hall, 1st Seaward Road, Thiruvamiyur (near park). Email: [email protected]; Ph: 94447 55430.

Sports

Online chess puzzle competition for young students

EChesscafe invites students from Std 1 to 5 to participate in an exciting online chess puzzle competition! This is an excellent opportunity for young chess enthusiasts to test their skills and enjoy a stimulating challenge. Study materials and videos will be provided. Registrations open for individual students and schools. EChesscafe is an online chess tutoring platform dedicated to fostering chess education. They offer private and group classes, organise events, and design chess curricula for schools. Registration closes on Apr.20; Chess Olympiad tentative date: June 20. For more details and registration information, contact 89396 58951.

Adyar to celebrate 127 years of Hockey tradition with special tournament

The All India Sports Development Academy and All India Press & Media Council have announced a special one-day hockey tournament to celebrate the 127-year-long hockey tradition in the Adyar region. The event will take place on Apr.13, at the Chennai Corporation Hockey Ground, Canal Bank Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar. The event aims to honour the local community’s remarkable sporting heritage. For over seven generations, residents of Adyar have excelled in hockey, representing their schools, colleges, districts, states, and even the nation in prestigious competitions like the Olympics. All are invited to attend the tournament and show their support. The tournament will feature local athletes and is expected to draw sports enthusiasts from across the city. For more information, contact R. Jayakumar at 63749 22499 or [email protected].

Plantation maintenance drive

The Environmentalist Foundation of India (E.F.I) is organising a plantation maintenance drive at Kanagam Eco Park on Apr.8 at 9 am. This initiative, part of E.F.I’s ongoing efforts to restore and preserve green spaces, invites volunteers to contribute to the care and maintenance of the park’s plantation. For more details, contact 89258 58058.

Skill Workshops

MEDAI 2025: A Platform for Aspiring Architects and Designers

The MEASI Academy of Architecture is set to host MEDAI 2025, an exciting event designed for school students interested in art, architecture, and design. This immersive experience promises engaging workshops, competitions, an open house, interactions with architects, and a campus tour. The event also includes lunch and a lucky draw with exciting prizes. For students in Grades 8 to 12 (PCM). On Apr.12 from 9 am onwards. For free registration, fill out the form: https://forms.gle/r4SgFcX7LyuecuWQ6. The event is coordinated by Dr. A. Navara and Ar. Suhasini, who can be contacted at 82485 16480.

Trainings by EDII

Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute (EDII), Chennai, is organising various training programmes at SIDCO Industrial Estate, EDII Office Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032. Pre-registration mandatory. For more information, check out the website www.editn.in; Contact from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5.45 pm. 

• Apr.7 to 9 from 9.30 am to 5 pm (Digital Marketing -Top Secrets for Business Growth): Training includes foundations of business marketing, unit economics for growth, understanding key metrics, building a high converting marketing funnel, secrets of digital marketing, tricks and tools for success, case studies for reference, final practical hands-on session. Ph: 93602 21280, 95437 73337.
• Apr.28 to 20 from 9.30 am to 6 pm (Drone Operations training): Topics covered include: availability of drone regulations & flight basics overview, drone types & operations maintenance. emergency handline essentials, concept & assembling of simulator & practical training, flight controller & sensor calibration, surveillance & mapping integration, act and radio telephonic calibration, etc. Eligibility: Above 18 years and 10th pass. Ph: 93602 21280, 95437 73337.

Craft workshop with newspaper

Shreya Suraj is conducting a workshop on making craft items with newspaper on Apr.6 from 11.30 am to 1 pm at Odyssey, Adyar. For children aged 5 – 18 years. Interested readers can register by contacting 89036 14629.

Pick it up!

Pet adoption drive

iAdopt is organising an exciting pet adoption drive at Chennai Sante, CERC Campus Exhibition Ground, Thiruvanmiyur, on Mar.30, Apr.5 and 6, from 4 pm to 8 pm. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for animal lovers to meet adorable rescues and offer them loving homes. Entry and adoption are completely free, making it an accessible and heartwarming initiative for all. To ensure responsible adoption, participants must bring a valid government ID and a house video tour. Only iAdopt rescues will be available for adoption, and third-party rescues will not be allowed. 

Exquisite Handlooms and Handicrafts at Rajasthan Crafts Mela

The Rajasthan Crafts Mela, organized by the Rajasthan Artisans & Weavers Welfare Association, will be held till April 13 at Jayashri Kalyana Mandapam, Kalakshetra Road, Thiruvanmiyur. Open from 10.30 am to 9 pm, the exhibition offers free entry and parking, with credit and debit card payments accepted.

This event provides a unique opportunity to experience India’s rich craft heritage while supporting artisans. The exhibition is expected to attract large crowds of shoppers looking for authentic, handmade products. For more details, contact 98844 46747.