When thavil met magudam and thappu on the Marina

On Sunday (March 1, 2026), the sands of the Marina Beach reverberated with the resonant strains of the thavil — a classical percussion instrument — alongside the earthy rhythms of the magudam and mantham, folk instruments traditionally accompanying Kaniyaan Koothu, and the vibrant beats of thappu melam.

The unique ensemble was organised by the Tamil Nadu government’s Department of Art and Culture to commemorate UNESCO’s declaration of Chennai as a City of Music. Two-day musical events were held at Valluvar Kottam and the Marina.