Events 2026

Madras Reimagined: Heritage, Culture & Urban issues – Discussions, Round Table, Cultural Workshop

August 15, 2026

On August 22, day-long. At Art Kin Centre, Alwarpet

Global Shapers Community Chennai, Heritage Inspired and Art Kin Centre present *Madras Reimagined*, a day-long programme exploring how heritage, civic action and contemporary culture can shape Chennai’s future.

Heritage Inspired anchors the day in Chennai’s history, present and heritage-led urban futures.
Global Shapers Community Chennai, a youth-led initiative of the World Economic Forum, extends the conversation into civic participation and neighborhood-led city-making.
Art Kin Centre explores how culture continues to evolve through both traditional and contemporary forms of expression.

The morning programme (9 am – 1 pm) features interactive talks and discussions by Heritage Inspired.

The session culminates in ‘From Belonging to Blueprint: Neighbourhoods Shaping Chennai’, a panel discussion led by Smrithi Prasad (C40 Cities) and other urban practitioners on neighbourhood identity, stewardship and city-making.

The evening programme (4 pm– 8:30 pm), curated by Art Kin Centre, includes Oyilattam & Thappattam workshops led by folk artist Dheepan and an improv comedy performance by Unhinged AF.

Tickets – Morning Pass ₹149 | Evening Pass ₹999 | Full Day Pass ₹1199. Individual workshop tickets: Adults ₹899, Kids ₹499. Comedy Show: ₹399.
Register – https://forms.gle/nTSkY83rtoeS9Y3X9

Events 2026, Shows / Concerts / discussions

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IIT – Madras Heritage Tour

August 15, 2026

This tour offers you an immersive experience of the IIT Madras campus, which is known for its greenery and wildlife. It takes you to various structures of heritage importance to IIT Madras and ends with a visit to the Heritage Centre of the institute.

IIT Madras is the third IIT to be set up in India.

The IIT Madras tours are guided rides through the campus. The guides are IITians, including professors and students. A few of the places that the tour takes you past: Gajendra Circle, Manohar Watsa Stadium, Open Air Theatre (OAT) and the first buildings on campus, Building Sciences Block (BSB) and the Central Workshop.

At the Heritage Centre there will be a screening of Sripad Sridhar’s film – Journey to Eminence and viewing of archival photographs of IITM.

The tours will be held on August 22, 23, 29 and 30

Events 2026, Heritage Walks / Tours / Nature Walks

Champions of Chennai Awards

August 13, 2026

The 13th edition of the ‘Champions of Chennai’ awards function will be held on August 17 evening at the Dakshinamurthy Auditorium inside P. S. School campus, Mylapore. Retired IAS officer Dr Irai Anbu, former chief secretary in TN, is the chief guest. He will present the awards to seven people of Chennai who have distinguished themselves in various walks of life. The Champions are  selected from the fields of Arts, Sports, Education, Science, Healthcare, Social Initiative and Business Enterprise

The KSA Trust manages this project. The event is open to the public.

Awards

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Queen Mary’s College / Inter-dept. events.

August 12, 2026

Queen Mary’s College’s Department of Historical Studies is hosting a day-long event on August 24 to mark Madras Day / Chennai Dinam for 2026. It is hosting inter-department team events to involve all QMC students. The events range from a quiz on Madras to games and puzzles, besides a few creative challenges. Teams from each QMC department will participate, said Dr Raziya Pravin, HoD of History Dept.

Campus events

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Book Release / Cycling Trails – Sri Lanka Themed

August 11, 2026

Cycling Yogis is releasing a book titled ‘Sri Lankan Trail of Madras’ which covers all landmarks and places that are connected to Ceylon / Sri Lanka over the past century and more.

The event is at Higginbothams bookstore, Anna Salai. On August 22, 6.30 pm onwards.
Contact: Cycling Yogis – Ramanujar – 9884023123.

Book Release

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Campus events / at Stella Maris College

August 11, 2026

At Stella Maris College, Cathedral Road the Department of History in collaboration with the Department of Fine Arts is hosting a medley of events for students here. On August 19, morning to evening.

The day starts with a Talk by writer-editor-film maker Harry Mclure on ‘ Anglo Indians in Madras’. There is a Walk on the college campus – to introduce the heritage of the campus. There is an exhibition of works of art / craft/ handmade products and models on all that is special to Chennai – presented by Stella Maris students. There is also a Quiz on Madras for city school students.
Contact Dr. Shan Eugene (Faculty) – 9380730025

Campus events

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Quiz on Madras / For Schools

August 11, 2026

At Stella Maris College. Venue : M 01 Hall on campus.

Date: August 19. Time : 10:45am – 11:45am
Open to City School Students – classes 8 to 12. Two participants per class and 3 teams per institution are invited.

Cash Prizes and certificates for winners.

Topics : Madras (History, Culture, Cinema and Sports)
Note: Participants must mail the students names and a school teacher’s phone number) to: shaneugenepalakkal@stellamariscollege.edu.in
Contacts at Stella Maris – Dr. Shan Eugene (faculty) – 9380730025 / Gitashree (student co-ordinator) – 6369256431

Quiz

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Two Workshops for children.

August 8, 2026

Create Chennai Souvenirs!!

WORKSHOP 1 –  CREATE COASTERS

Aug.15. 3 pm – 1 hour long. Fee: Rs.100.

Open to children in Class 4 and above. Only 15 spots.

Register now and pay.  (mention name of the workshop you wish to attend) > Pay to > 9445764499

WORKSHOP 2 – DESIGN CHENNAI CAP

Aug.15. 4.15 pm – 1 hour long. Fee – Rs.100

Open to children in Class 5 and above. Only 15 spots

Register now and Pay (mention name of the workshop you wish to attend). Pay to > 9445764499

< Both workshops are curated and headed by art & craft teacher Shreya Suraj.

< All basic materials will be provided. Participants can also bring art materials they have.

< Venue: Ranade Library, Luz (below Sastri Hall/ next to Mylapore Club)

Workshops

Talks in Tamil, English. In Luz

August 8, 2026

Madhuradhwani presents a series of TALKS  at Arkay Centre, Luz ( Opp. Vivek’s store, R. H. Road). Evets open to all.

Here is the schedule –

Friday, Aug 21 – 6.00 pm

Print to Kollywood; Talk by Raghunathan Jayaraman

The story of novels adapted as cinema – எழுத்து முதல் வெள்ளித்திரை வரை

Friday, Aug 21 – 7.00pm

Heritage of Triplicane; Talk by Venkatesh Ramakrishnan

Saturday,Aug. 22 – 6.00pm

Walking through Kalki’s Madras; Talk by Nandhini Vijayaraghavan

Saturday,Aug. 22 – 7.00pm

Madras Bashai; Talk by Dr Sudha Seshyyan

Talks

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Talks. Aug 25, 26 and 27

August 6, 2026

August 25, Tuesday, 6 pm: 386 Years… And Madras Still Lives On – A presentation by Meenakshi Devaraj .
At Hotel Aadithya, 155, Arcot Road, Vadapalani. Opp. Forum Vijaya Mall. Open to all.

August 26, Wednesday, 6 pm: Madrasverse: Celebrating Chennai Through Poetry – By Uma Vangal, Padmini Janardhan and Vidya Shankar.
At Hotel Aadithya, 155, Arcot Road, Vadapalani. Opp. Forum Vijaya Mall. Open to all.

August 27, Thursday, 6 pm:  Hyder Ali and the Seven Wells of Madras – A presentation by Zhayynn James. At Hotel Aadithya, 155, Arcot Road, Vadapalani. Opp. Forum Vijaya Mall. Open to all.

Talks

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Writing Workshop. Aug 16

August 5, 2026

A Very Madras Story (Part 2)

In the era of sequels that we seem to be living through, here is one more! Join us as we continue to explore the many facets of Madras through fiction in this second edition of a writing workshop with city-based author, Praveena Shivram.

This year, as we celebrate our first anniversary issue of ‘Madras Mixture’ (a small magazine devoted to writing on the city), we go one step deeper and work with the light and shadow aspects of storytelling.

Praveena Shivram is an independent writer and editor of ‘Madras Mixture’. Over the past two decades, both her fiction and non-fiction have been widely published. Read more at praveenashivram.com

Date: August 16, Sunday Time: 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Venue: Ranade Library, Mylapore

To Register. WhatsApp to 9841049155 your name, phone no. and mention this info is for Writing Workshop.
The workshop is free, open to first 15. “

Writing Stories / Essays / Verses

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Madras Quiz. Aug 23

August 4, 2026

Presented by Murugappa Group, hosted by Dr. Sumanth C. Raman and promoted by Vincent D’Souza.

Audience: Open to all

Date, time and venue :
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 3:00 PM onwards | The Victoria Public Hall, Chennai

Theme: “Manasellaam Madras, Vibe-ellaam Chennai”
Focus areas: Everything from old Madras to modern Chennai, including a special round on Murugappa Group’s association with the city
Legacy: One of Chennai’s signature Madras Week events, presented by Murugappa Group since 2013.

Winner’s Prize: Prizes worth ₹50,000 and the prestigious Madras Quiz Rolling Trophy
Additional Awards: Trophies, vouchers and hampers for top teams; special prizes for the best women’s team and best senior citizens’ team
Audience Engagement: Exciting spot prizes for audience members

Quiz

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Madras Quiz for Schools. Aug 23

August 4, 2026

Presented by Murugappa Group, hosted by Dr. Sumanth C. Raman and promoted by Vincent D’Souza.

Audience: Students of Classes 10, 11 and 12

Date, venue and time:
Sunday, August 23, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM | The Victoria Public Hall, Chennai

Theme: “Manasellaam Madras, Vibe-ellaam Chennai”
Focus areas: Chennai’s history, culture, landmarks and personalities

Prizes: Winning teams can receive prizes worth up to ₹20,000
Special opportunity: Top two teams qualify to compete in the Murugappa Madras Quiz (Open) on the same day

Quiz

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Sketch Govt. Museum, Egmore

August 2, 2026

Start with a heritage walk through one of the most beautiful heritage complexes of Madras, the Government Museum Egmore, and settle down for a guided outdoor sketching with step by step support.

Conducted by Abhilaasha (architect and artist ) and Archita (architect-turned-writer/editor), who are both passionate about the city’s heritage and architecture.

Date: August 2

Time: 4 – 6 30 pm

Venue: Government Museum, Egmore 

Fee: Rs 1000 including materials, museum entry and refreshments

Contact : +91 98840 12847 (Whatsapp)

Art / Craft

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Books / Postcards / Publications

August 2, 2026

Meenakshi Devaraj, a historian, kolam artist and founder of Nampayanam, in collaboration with Postcardsville and Postcrossing welfare society of India will be releasing 6 postcards. Postcards contain visuals of Madras in kolam design format designed by Meenakshi.

These postcards will be released by special children in Sri Arunodayam Girls Home,Ambattur on 6th August 10.30 am.

To get copies, contact Meenakshi Devaraj / 9841318881

Post cards

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MNS nature walks

July 30, 2026

The Madras Naturalists’ Society (MNS) has planned 6 Events for the Madras Day Celebrations 2026.

  1.   BUTTERFLY WALK AT PACHAMALAI – Wednesday , August 12th, 2026
  • Reporting Time:  645 am. Walk starts at 7am.  Involves a climb up the hill.
  • Reporting Place: Location will be shared on registration
  • Group Size: 25
  • Please bring along Binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Suitable footwear for walking up the hill.
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 7th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

  1. INSECT WALK AT MADHAVARAM BOTANICAL GARDENS – Friday , August 14th, 2026
  • Reporting Time:  345 pm. Walk starts at 4pm.  .
  • Reporting Place: Madhavaram Botanical gardens.  Tickets will have to be bought by participants Rs 40 for adults, Rs 20 for children
  • Group Size: 25
  • Please bring along magnifying glass, binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Suitable footwear for walking.
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 9th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

3. SHORE WALK AT NOCHIKUPPAM, MARINA BEACH – Monday , August 17th, 2026

  • Reporting Time: 6am.  Starting time 615 am.
  • Reporting Place: Location will be shared on registrationGroup Size: 25
  • Please bring along magnifying glass, binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Suitable footwear for beach walking.
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 11th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

4. BIRD WALK AT PERUMBAKKAM TANK – Tuesday, August 18th, 2026

  • Reporting Time: 6.15 a.m.
  • Reporting Place: Location will be shared on registration.
  • Group Size: 25
  • Please bring along Binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Wearing closed shoes is advisable.
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 12th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

5. WALK WITH TREES IN BOAT CLUB AREA- Sunday, August 23rd, 2026

  • Reporting Time: 7 am. Starting time 630 am.
  • Reporting Place: Boat Club area.  Location will be shared on registration.
  • Group Size: 25
  • Please bring along Binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Wearing closed shoes is advisable.
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 18th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

6.NATURE EXPLORATIONS ALONG THE ADYAR RIVER TRAIL – Saturday, September 5th, 2026

  • Reporting Time: 7 a.m.  Starting time 715 am.
  • Reporting Place: Location will be shared on registration.
  • Group Size: 25
  • Please bring along Binoculars & Cameras, drinking water and cap, and umbrella.  A notebook and pen.  Wearing closed shoes is advisable..
  • Children below 12 have to be accompanied by adults.
  • Registrations open on 30th of August

Please use this link to complete your registration.  https://forms.gle/wo2aBdK4fVMsmkpZ6

Registrations on first-cum first serve basis, only via link.

Queries can be directed to our social media handles on Facebook and Instagram.

Events 2026, Heritage Walks / Tours / Nature Walks

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Talks on Facets of the City: Traditional Games on Show

July 25, 2026

Kreeda documents and revives traditional games. For Madras Day season, each Monday will feature a public conversation bringing together researchers, community historians and subject experts. Alongside presentations on games documentation by Vinita Sidhartha, speakers will explore various themes.

Here is the schedule:

August 3, 2026 – Between the Adyar and the Cooum
Speakers – Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda, Shreya Krishnan of Pelathope Urban Living
Lab and Priya Ramkumar on Meenakshi Ammal and her cooking legacy
Exhibition on view till August 8

August 10, 2026 – South of the Adyar River
Speakers – Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda, Pavithra Sriram, co-founder, Project
Thiruvanmiyur Mada Street, and Dr. Meenakshi Swaminathan – avid birder on birds
of Chennai
Exhibition on view till August 15

August 17, 2026 – The Westward Push
Speakers – Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda, Thirupurasundari Sevvel, a heritage architect
and a talk on indigenous plants of Chennai
Exhibition on view till August 22

August 24, 2026 – Travelling North of the Cooum
Speakers – Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda, Ramanujar Mounlana of Cycling Yogis and a
talk on Madras Checks
Exhibition on view till August 29

Timings: 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Open to all.

Location: Kreeda Experience Centre, Nandanam.
Phone: +91 9841748309

Talks

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Tree walks by Nizhal

July 24, 2026

15th August Saturday – Nizhal Tree walk in Mayday park, 4.30 to 5.30pm. Please register with 9445028067

16th August Sunday – Nizhal Tree walk Egmore Museum.7.30-8-30 am. Please register with 9445028067

22nd August Saturday – Nizhal Tree walk in the Anna Nagar Tower Park, 7.30-8-30 am. Please register with 9445028067

23rd August Sunday – Nizhal Tree walk in the Natesan park, 4.30 – 5.30 pm. Please register with 9445028067

29th August Saturday – Nizhal Tree walk in Semmozhi poonga 4.30 – 5.30 pm. Please register with 9445028067

30th August Sunday – Nizhal Tree walk in Kotturpuram Urban Forest 7.30-8.30 am. Please register with 9445028067

Events 2026, Heritage Walks / Tours / Nature Walks

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