Sat Sep 13 19:08:31 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article based on the provided text, styled as a report from The Hindu:
**Chennai Buzzes with Flavor and Rhythm at “Made of Chennai” Festival**
**Chennai, September 14, 2025** – The “Made of Chennai” food and music festival kicked off Saturday at YMCA Nandanam, drawing an estimated 16,000 attendees on its first day. The event transformed the grounds into a vibrant celebration of the city’s culinary and artistic landscape.
The festival boasted nearly 40 food stalls, offering a diverse range of delicacies from traditional biryani to contemporary kombucha and Mexican wraps. Simultaneously, the music stage highlighted Chennai’s eclectic music scene, showcasing gaana, rap, folk, and popular cinema melodies.
DJ Suman and Johnny Beats opened the festival, setting a high-energy tone for the day. Gana Balachandar took to the stage soon after and was followed by Anthony in Party, and Pradeep Kumar who closed the night.
“We have performed on many small stages. All of that has led us here, to the Made of Chennai stage, which is an experience to remember,” said Gana Balachandar shortly before the event. Anthony Daasan, known for his folk melodies, performed a 40 song set with a lively performance, bringing the energy of the crowd to new heights. “We are thankful to the Chennai audience for welcoming us with open arms. It is heartening to see all kinds of music celebrated here, instead of focusing on just one,” said Mr. Daasan.
Attendees were thrilled by the diverse music and food offerings. “We came to listen to Pradeep Kumar, but ended up discovering so much new music and food along the way,” said Navya and Akshaya, second-year college students at their first music festival.
Pradeep Kumar concluded the first day with a 20 song set that had the crowd dancing and singing along.
Day 2 will feature performances by Chennai Hip Hop Set – All For One Dance Crew, Paul Jacob and Funkybodhi Ft. Chinna Ponnu, Oorka, and Thaikkudam Bridge.
“Made of Chennai” is presented by Casagrand and powered by SRM, with Tata Tea Chakra Gold, Tata Coffee, Orchids International School, and Hell Energy as Associate Partners. Artist partner: ACTC. Food Curation partner: Annam by Shabnam. Hospital partner: Apollo Hospital.Video partner: Sight Media. The event is also done in partnership with Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, Greater Chennai Corporation, Greater Chennai Police, Greater Chennai Traffic Police and Namma Marina, Namma Pride. Radio Partners: Big FM, Fever FM and Radio One.
First Piper 