Following the delicate trail of jasmine’s scent, the air shimmered with soulful music, graceful dances, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours that painted Chettinad in timeless celebration. The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Trust wrapped up its much-anticipated Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival 2025, a four-day extravaganza that transformed the region into a vibrant canvas of tradition, artistry, and storytelling. Hosted across the region’s most iconic heritage properties, including The Bangala (Karaikudi), The Lotus Palace (Kanadukathan), Chidambara Vilas (Kadiapatti), Visalam (CGH Earth, Kanadukathan), Saratha Vilas (Kothamangalam), Chettinadu Mansion and Chettinadu Court (Kanadukathan), the festival was a sensory feast that honoured the soul of Chettinad.

Day 1: A Sacred Start and Stylish Soirée
The festival commenced with an inaugural ceremony at the Sathyagireeswarar Siva Temple, Thirumayam, setting a spiritual tone. This was followed by a short, guided tour of the temple by historian and author Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy. M. Meyyappan welcomed guests with warmth and reverence.

The evening unfolded at Chidambara Vilas, Kadiyapatti, with The Stringmasters, a collaborative musical performance that blended classical finesse with contemporary rhythm and a stunning fashion showcase called IDAM by Vivek Karunakaran, where heritage textiles met modern silhouettes in a celebration of Chettinad’s sartorial legacy. There was followed by a lavish buffet welcome dinner where all the ladies mingled in their festive rich kanjeevarams with jasmine flowers in their hair and men in silk dhotis.

Day 2: Sacred Groves and Artistic Dialogues
The morning began with guided visits to the Ayyanar Groves, including a spiritual walk to Chithaar Kaathaar Ayyanar Temple in Kothamangalam, led by Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan. This was followed by a thought-provoking session, “Revealing Lost Heritage: Architecture, Conservation, Adaption”, featuring a dialogue between renowned architects Channa Daswatte and Raya Shankhwalker. There was also an art exhibition of Tanjore paintings by National Award winner V. Nagarajan at CGH Earth Visalam, Kalamkari works by Late Shilpa Guru Dr. R. Emberumal and Raj Mohan Emberumal. The highlight of the day was a visit to Athangudi Tile Manufacturing Factory. The artistes demonstrated tile making and also helped us teach how to make these tiles, making it a very immersive and interesting experience.

The evening lit up with “The Vibrant Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu”, performed by Aradhana, a traditional ensemble led by Ambika Buch, at P.M.A. House, Kottaiyur.

Day 3: Craft, Conversation, and Cultural Memory
The morning began with Visalakshi Ramaswamy, founder of M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation, curated “Crafts of Chettinad” at V.S. Madam, Kanadukathan, sharing her journey with Kandanghi sarees and Kottan baskets in conversation with interior design consultant Vikram Phadke. She also introduced the Chettinad Museum, a tribute to the region’s layered history. A conversation between architects Channa Daswatte and Raya Shankhwalker meandered through the worlds of architectural heritage and its preservation. Chettinad with its mansions and unique built spaces also poses the questions of how can heritage architecture be best utilised for the future through awareness and readaptive use. The architects spoke about their own work trajectories and unique experiences.

We were treated to an authentic South Indian feast, elegantly served on banana leaves, at the charming S.A. House in Kanadukathan, an experience that blended tradition, flavour, and hospitality in perfect harmony. The evening was reserved for a session called Scent Of The Earth. From ancient times, the Chettiar community and the merchant princes have been renowned for their generous patronage of the arts and literature. Internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer and Padma Bhushan awardee, Alarmél Valli, celebrated our rich literary heritage in “Scent of The Earth” and reaffirmed the close relationship between dance, poetry and song.

Dr Vayu Naidu’s mesmerising telling for contemporary audiences was enhanced with Dr Melinda Maxwell’s music in live time at the M.CT. House, Kanadukathan. This was followed by a hearty dinner spread at M.CT. House, Kanadukathan.

Day 4: Fragrance, Food, and Final Flourishes
The morning began with a buffet breakfast at The Bangala, Karaikudi, curated by Chef Gokul Kumar of Panaderia. This was followed by a guided tour of Thenn Tirupathi Tiruvengadamudaiyan Temple in Ariyakudi, led by historian and author Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy. A short demonstration of the distilling of the essence that goes into the making of traditional Indian perfume – known as ATTAR– will be shown using jasmine flowers. This process will be demonstrated by K. Viggnesh – a horticulturist.

Guy Trebay of The New York Times joined Dr. Uma Kannan and Visalakshi Kannan for “The Fragrances of India” for a captivating conversation on jasmine, memory, and identity. M. Meyyappan’s talk on Chettiar Mercantile History was followed by a scholarly Q&A with David Rudner, offering deep insights into the community’s global legacy.

The festival concluded with “THE BEGINNING”, a puppet show narrating the story of the Nagarathars’ arrival in Chettinad, presented by Valli Muthiah and Dr. Krishna Meyyammai at K.V.AL.M. Golu Veedu, Kottaiyur. Guests were also treated to Golu, a magnificent display of thousands of colourful dolls, figurines, and miniature toys from around the world, in Valli Muthiah’s personal collection at K.V.AL.M. Golu Veedu, Kottaiyur.

A Sri Lankan culinary voyage aboard the Indo–Ceylon Boat Mail, hosted at The Bangala, Karaikudi, curated by Priya Bala was brought to life by The Bangala’s chefs and seemed like a perfect culmination of the four-day festival.

A Living Legacy
The Chettinad Heritage Festival 2025 was more than an event—it was a revival of memory, a celebration of identity, and a bridge between generations. Through music, dance, architecture, fashion, and food, it reaffirmed Chettinad’s place as a cultural beacon in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

Lotus Palace, Kanadukathan
We stayed at the most gorgeous property in this area -Lotus Palace, Kanadukathan. The heritage property stands as a poetic tribute to Chettinad’s regal past dating back over 200 years. With its intricate woodwork, majestic courtyards, and timeless architecture, this stunning space evokes the elegance of a bygone era. Every corner whispers stories of tradition, craftsmanship, and quiet grandeur, making it not just a place to stay, but a place to feel history come alive as you stroll past its majestic corridors. Its palatial rooms, adorned with soaring ceilings, antique Burmese teak woodwork, and sun-dappled verandas, offer a regal retreat steeped in history. Ornate Athangudi tiles underfoot and vintage photographs on the walls dating centuries old create an atmosphere that’s both opulent and intimate, make us step into a world where time stands still.

A Tribute
The 2025 festival was dedicated to the memory of the Late General Manager, Yacob George, The Bangala the initiator of this celebration who had a huge passion for Chettinad culture.