On June 18, there was a bustle of people at Bungalow 5 on Anna Avenue in Adyar. Some of them these visitors were milling around, taking a look at the wares on display. A few others were waiting in a queue to pick up an ice cream. There were those who were having caricatures of themselves done by expert hands. There was a set of games to keep children engaged.
The spacious building was a meeting point for commerce and entertaiinment. It was the first-ever Adyar carnival. Organised by Umarani Sunderaraman, proprietress of Visesham Caterers, at her home, this carnival was an attempt to bring residents of the locality closer and also give a fillip to local businesses. “Being a caterer, I have conducted many events, and I felt that it was important that we introduce an event where the people of Adyar can get to know each other,” she said.
A majority of the stalls put up at the carnival belongs to residents and businesses in Adyar. Earthen pots, flower decorations, jewellery and garments were among the products that were on display.
There were also stalls representing social causes, including the one put up by the Indian Prostrate Cancer Foundation.
“The Foundation has adopted a village and we seem to teach the women there how to make a variety of products, including bags and dresses. We then sell these products on their behalf, for their benefit,” says a representative present at the stall.
Umarani was helped by Sabitha Rakin Kannan.
“I run an events company called Big Space Entertainment. When Umarani told me she wanted to organise this event, I decided to help her by contacting people in and around the area who would want to put up stalls,” she says. “The response was good with more than 300 walk-ins through the day.”
