Navi Mumbai: Seawoods Malayali Samajam hosted “Grama Chanda 2026,” a vibrant cultural event celebrating Kerala’s village heritage through traditional art forms, nostalgic experiences, and an eco-conscious message.

Organized as part of the Samajam’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, the event was held from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Ganesh Maidan, Sector 48, Seawoods. The village-themed marketplace recreated the charm of Kerala’s traditional rural life, featuring martial arts displays, arm wrestling competitions, swings, music performances, local shops, and authentic cuisine.

Carrying the theme “Local is Future,” the event aimed to introduce younger generations to the value of traditional marketplaces while promoting sustainable living and reduced carbon footprints.

As part of this initiative, visitors were provided with specially designed cloth bags, reinforcing the importance of eco-friendly practices and responsible consumption.

Entry to the event was free, encouraging wide participation from the community.

The central square of the marketplace, inspired by the historic Ponnuythangam setting, featured dramatic martial performances reminiscent of the legendary Ponnyam Ezharakandam battle.

The enactment of Chekavans in combat captivated audiences, including non-Malayali visitors.

A lively arm wrestling competition drew enthusiastic cheers, while vintage-style lucky draw coupons added a nostalgic touch.

Several themed installations—including a bathing ghat, an old garage, an Anchal post office, a toddy shop, a fish market, and a traditional library—transported visitors to a Kerala village of the 1970s.

Interactive activities such as reading old magazines and writing letters on postcards allowed visitors to engage deeply with the experience.

Street characters like “Kaththi Mathan” and “Karadi Ravi” added humor and curiosity, while performers portraying tribal figures such as Komban and Kombi highlighted the relationship between humans and nature.

Their presence subtly conveyed a message about environmental degradation and the consequences of unsustainable practices.

Musical performances featuring classic Malayalam songs further enriched the atmosphere, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

Traditional stalls offering vegetables, sweets, fabrics, cosmetics, tea, stews, drinks, kappa, and kanji became major attractions.

The thoughtfully curated stall names sparked both laughter and reflection among visitors, blending cultural memory with contemporary relevance.

A dedicated resting space under a “tamarind tree” setting provided comfort for the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Nearby swings became a highlight, with people of all ages—Malayalis and non-Malayalis alike—enjoying simple moments of joy.

Grama Chanda 2026 stood out as one of the most memorable events of the Samajam’s 25th anniversary celebrations, successfully blending nostalgia, community engagement, and environmental awareness into a unique cultural experience.