The fifth edition of Karaikudi Sandhai showcases Chettinad textiles, crafts, and cuisine

The fifth edition of Karaikudi Sandhai returns this year at a spacious new venue with ample parking. Organised by the Karaikudi Nagarathar Sangam, the one-day exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of Chettinad culture through its craftsmanship, cuisine, and local enterprise.

M Letchumanan, committee member of the Sangam, says the event aims to create a platform for community members who are skilled makers but lack access to wider markets. “Our mission is to showcase and popularise Chettinad heritage and culture without any profit motive. This year, we are also focusing on kidpreneurs aged seven to 17, encouraging heritage-led entrepreneurship and grassroots empowerment. We have offered stalls free of cost to children, allowing them to sell products such as home décor items, key holders, paintings, craftwork, and baked goodies,” he says.

Larger in scale this year, the exhibition will feature over 130 stalls. New additions include a counter by M Ramanathan to assist families in exchanging old share certificates, as well as a counter offering financial packages for small businesses. An activities and games zone for children has also been introduced.

Visitors can explore a wide range of products, including authentic Chettinad cotton and silk saris, heritage jewellery, traditional art and handicrafts, homemade masalas, pickles and podis, antique brass and silver artefacts, koodais and kottans, clay crafts, oils, snacks and condiments, books, home furnishings, children’s wear, and made-ups. A live snack counter will serve hot vella appam, paniyaram, kandhar appam, and filter coffee. For an immersive culinary experience, a traditional Thalaivazhai Ilai lunch will be available with prior booking.

Karaikudi Sandhai will be held on January 4 at Sri Ramachandra Convention Centre, Thiruvanmiyur, from 10am to 8pm. For details, call 7299193311.