The event, committed to the democratisation of the arts, is scheduled to take place on 28,29,30 December in Chennai.
This marks the fourth year of Margazhiyil Makkalisai. (Instagram - margazhiyilmakkalisai)
Several years ago, Kokilan struggled with the “burden” of being the child of a parai artiste and a mother deeply involved in oppari singing during ceremonies. Recollecting those times, he shares, “The world outside never truly understood what my parents were doing. Even within our community, there were moments of disapproval. Consequently, I developed a certain aversion to the art.”
However, a radical shift has occurred in Kokilan’s mindset in recent years, thanks to Neelam Cultural Centre’s Margazhiyil Makkalisai.
“A few years ago, my friends invited me to an event — Margazhiyil Makkalisai. Witnessing the art forms that my parents practised being showcased on stage, observing the positive reception from the audience, and seeing people genuinely enjoy and appreciate the art and the artistes made me realise how external influences had led me to dislike something with such a rich heritage. As the child of marginalised artistes, if I didn’t feel proud of my heritage, how could others understand? I felt remorseful for my previous mindset,” shares the first-generation graduate from Thiruvottiyur.
Today, Kokilan is actively ensuring that his parents are aware that he is proud of them, and have opportunities to showcase their talent. “I openly discuss our work and art with my friends without hesitation irrespective of their caste or class,” he proudly shares.
#Margazhiyil_makkalisai from tomorrow in #chennai எல்லோரும் வாங்க! ஆண்டின் இறுதியை மக்களிசை கலைஞர்களோடு கொண்டாடுவோம்! 💥💥💥❤️
Date:28,29 & 30
Place: Santhom higher secondary school, Sullivan St.Kuil Thoppu, Mylapore Chennai.
Time: from 2:30 pm 💥💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/agDQtA2nOE— pa.ranjith (@beemji) December 27, 2023
This is the positive ripple effect that director Pa Ranjith’s Margazhil Makkalisai has been creating in society over the last four years. Each year, this music, arts, and cultural festival invites artistes from marginalised backgrounds across India and showcases art forms that often struggle to find space in the mainstream.
This year’s five-day event commenced on 23 December with successful showcases in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka and in Hosur on 24 December. Now, the festival is heading back to its home ground in Chennai. The event will take place on 28, 29,30 December at Santhome Higher Secondary School in Kuil Thoppu, Mylapore.
The event in Hosur attracted over 3,000 people. (Instagram – palani__studio)
“All these art forms we witness at Margazhiyil Makkaisai are usually sidelined. The goal is to elevate artistes who perform on the streets to a big stage, with guests attending and numerous musicians and audience listening to them live, thereby creating opportunities. The idea is to progress as a community. Currently, we are striving to achieve this through music to represent what the movement stands for,” shares one of the organisers of the festival.
With the event in KGF and Hosur attracting over 8,000 people, the expectations for the Chennai edition are running high.
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“We expected a big turnout, but it exceeded expectations. As the event concluded, attendees wanted more immersion in the performances, deriving joy from culturally rooted and emotionally resonant music. Margazhil Makkalisai is making a distinctive impact with its unique presentation and meaningful representation,” shares the organiser.
Artiste Arivu. (Instagram)
The Chennai performance will present a diverse lineup, including Periya melam performances, gaana, oppari, and parai. The event will feature performances by Dalit Subbiah’s Viduthalai Kalai Kuzhu, Kariapatti Sekar Koottu Naiyandi Melam & Team, Arivu and The Ambassa, Dhamma the Band, and several others.
Margazhiyil Makkalisai has been steadfast and proactive in its mission to democratise the music scene, elevating the importance of grassroots music. By reshaping the mainstream narrative, its enduring impact is clearly evident.
As for Kokilan, he will be attending the event once more, this time accompanied by his parents. “It’s an opportunity for them to feel a sense of belonging. They can also engage with artistes, sharing their collective experiences. Idhu enge kalai, enge kondattam (This is our art, our celebration),” he concludes.
Margazhiyil Makkalisai will take place on 28,29,30 December at Santhome Higher Secondary School, Kuil Thoppu, Mylapore. Time: 2.30 pm onwards. Entry free. For details, visit Instagram @margazhiyilmakkalisai
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