Mylapore Festival 2026 Opens Registrations for Chess Tournament and Creative Workshops, Promoting Cultural Tourism and Youth Engagement in Chennai, India: Check It Out Now

Published on December 31, 2025

The Mylapore Festival 2026, an iconic cultural celebration in Chennai, India, has opened registrations for two exciting events aimed at promoting youth participation and cultural tourism. The festival, known for its vibrant blend of traditional art, music, and cultural activities, is gearing up for another round of spectacular events, one of the highlights being the 16th chess tournament for children and two art workshops that promise to be both fun and educational. These activities are an integral part of the festival, which serves as a bridge between local traditions and the global tourism spotlight.

A Platform for Youth Engagement and Talent Development

The Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival 2026 aims to engage children through various events that nurture both their intellectual and creative skills. Among the most anticipated events is the 16th Chess Tournament, scheduled for January 10 and 11, 2026. Set to take place at the Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls School in Mylapore, the tournament is open to children in the under 8, under 10, and under 12 categories. The event is expected to attract a mix of young chess enthusiasts from across the region, offering them the opportunity to test their strategic skills and experience the thrill of competition.

This chess tournament is not only about the game but also plays a crucial role in youth development by encouraging young minds to think critically and strategically. It’s an excellent way for children to sharpen their cognitive skills and gain recognition for their talents, all within the culturally rich setting of the Mylapore Festival.

Fostering Cultural Appreciation through Creative Workshops

In addition to the chess tournament, the Mylapore Festival 2026 will host two exciting art and craft workshops for children, further enriching the festival’s educational and creative offerings. The workshops aim to foster an appreciation for traditional arts and crafts, allowing young participants to engage in hands-on creative activities.

One of the workshops, Paper Quilling, will be held on January 10, 2026, at Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls School in Mylapore from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This workshop is designed to introduce children to the delicate art of paper quilling, where they will learn to create intricate designs using strips of paper. It is a great opportunity for children to explore their creative potential while learning a traditional craft.

The second workshop, Pot Painting, will take place on January 11, 2026, at the same venue, offering children the chance to experiment with colors and designs on terracotta pots. This activity will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also allow them to take home a beautiful, hand-painted pot, making it a memorable experience. Both workshops will provide all necessary materials for the children, making it accessible and fun for every participant.

A Hub for Local and International Visitors

The Mylapore Festival, an annual celebration, is one of Chennai’s most prominent cultural events and plays a significant role in drawing tourists and locals alike. The festival serves as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Mylapore, a historically significant neighborhood in Chennai known for its temples, traditional music, and classical dance. The inclusion of children-focused activities like the chess tournament and creative workshops aligns with the festival’s broader goal of community engagement and promoting cultural tourism.

The festival attracts visitors from India and abroad, providing them with a deep dive into the local culture, music, and arts. This, in turn, boosts the region’s appeal as a tourism destination, where both traditional and contemporary elements coexist harmoniously. By introducing youth-centric events, the festival also encourages the next generation to appreciate their cultural heritage, ensuring that Chennai remains a vital cultural hub in the country.

The participation of international visitors in the festival’s activities is a testament to the growing importance of cultural tourism in Chennai. Events like these have the power to transform the city into a global destination, where travelers can immerse themselves in local traditions, partake in unique cultural experiences, and interact with local communities. Through its diverse lineup of events, the Mylapore Festival highlights Chennai’s unique position in the global tourism landscape.

Free and Accessible Opportunities for Young Minds

What makes these events even more significant is the fact that both the chess tournament and the art workshops are free for participants. The Mylapore Festival organizers have made these events easily accessible to all, offering young participants an opportunity to engage in meaningful activities without any financial barriers. To ensure the workshops are focused and efficient, they are restricted to a limited number of 25 children per workshop, emphasizing the importance of personalized attention.

The free registration process for both events encourages widespread participation, allowing children from different socio-economic backgrounds to take part in activities that enhance their creativity and critical thinking. This initiative ensures that the festival is not just a celebration of the arts and culture but also an opportunity for social inclusion, where all children can be part of the vibrant cultural experience.

The Importance of Cultural and Educational Tourism in Chennai

The Mylapore Festival 2026 goes beyond being just a local celebration; it is an event that highlights the importance of cultural and educational tourism in Chennai. In a country as diverse as India, where various regions have their own unique cultural identities, events like the Mylapore Festival provide an essential platform for local communities to showcase their arts, traditions, and history.

The emphasis on educational activities like chess and craft workshops also serves as a reminder of the growing demand for educational tourism. Visitors to Chennai, especially those from abroad, can experience the city not just as a tourist destination but as a place of learning, where they can engage in artistic and intellectual pursuits. The festival plays a key role in shaping this perception, positioning Mylapore as a place where cultural heritage and modern educational values intersect.

As more visitors arrive to experience these cultural offerings, tourism in Chennai is expected to grow significantly. The events foster a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, helping tourists to appreciate the rich history of Mylapore and its relevance to India’s cultural fabric. It is this blend of cultural heritage and modern tourism initiatives that makes the Mylapore Festival a key player in the tourism growth of Chennai.

A Glimpse into the Future of Mylapore Festival

Looking to the future, the Mylapore Festival is poised to expand its reach and influence, both locally and internationally. As it continues to celebrate the local culture and traditions of Mylapore, the festival has the potential to attract even more visitors, further elevating Chennai’s position as a global tourism hub. By integrating more interactive and inclusive activities for children, the festival ensures that the younger generation remains connected to their cultural roots, while also giving them the tools to shape the future of the city’s cultural landscape.

In conclusion, the Mylapore Festival 2026 is more than just a cultural event. It is an initiative that bridges the past, present, and future by celebrating Chennai’s heritage while engaging the younger generation in activities that promote intellectual growth, creativity, and community development. The chess tournament and art workshops are just a glimpse of the larger vision behind the festival, which aims to create a sustainable cultural tourism model that can benefit both locals and visitors for years to come.

As Chennai continues to grow as a tourism destination, events like the Mylapore Festival play a critical role in positioning the city as a place where cultural experiences, education, and creativity converge. Through its focus on youth engagement and cultural preservation, the festival has become a key driver of tourism growth in the region, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience.