Rediscovering Roots: How Margazhiyil Makkal Isai Inspires a Cultural Renaissance

For five editions now, Tamil cinema director Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre has hosted Margazhiyil Makkal Isai, a celebration and a cultural movement, wrapped in one joyous garb. Through its very existence, the annual event has challenged the kind of art that is performed at sabhas across the states. Here art forms like Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, perceived as ‘cultural’ and usually highbrow, have only historically found space.

Over five years though, the Centre’s curation has allowed cityfolk to listen to the music of the people. Festive gaana performances, rap songs with sick beats, politically charged folk music, mellifluous bands and oppari music, considered music of Dalits, Bahujans and working class folk, have found deep resonance with the people, so much so that over 12,000 people registered to watch the final day’s events last year in 2024.

In its sixth edition between December 26 and 28, the festival now moves to the ground at Pachaiyappa’s College, a new, large venue, to ensure that the music can be as loud as the beat of the drum demands. Bands including Viduthali Kural Kalaikuzhu, Wild Wild Women, Dhamma The Band, and Dabba Beats will be part of the line-up. Look out for artists like Paal Dabba, Gana Poomani, Sithan Jeyamoorthy, and Anthakudi Ilayaraja too.

From a previous edition of Margazhiyil Makkal Isai
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

At a press meet held on December 23, director Ranjith said that reality TV shows that are music-focussed now ensure that a gana or folk music performer is surely represented on stage. “After the festival captured the kind of talent and the sway the performers have with the people, television channels had no choice but to showcase this music and its capable performers. The channels also get a far wider reach when these kinds of performances occur on stage. Many people follow their journey both online and on TV,” he said.

Vasugi Bhaskar, editor, Neelam Publications, and one of the organisers of the event, has more to add to this. He says that popularity through TV has led to huge crowds surging their venues. It is why they have moved to Pachiyappa College with the aim this year is to make as much noise. “There has also been an active attempt at bringing several different kinds of artists to the fore. Last year, some Malayali performers who had sung their music, found deep resonance among the audience even though we were unfamiliar with the language. This year, we have Marathi artists performing. Rap artists too, from Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, are ready to be part of the roster. In a way, it is protest music. It is the music of the Black people who have been subject to racism world over. Marginalised folk have hence taken to this art form,” he says. He adds that it is going to be nothing short of joyous splendour, a celebration over the weekend.

Margazhiyil Makkalisai – Season 6, will be held between December 26 and 28 at Pachaiyappa’s College, Poonamallee High Road starting at 2pm. The event is free to the public but registration is must at kynhood.com