Sun Jan 04 22:18:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article based on it:

Summary:

The Hindu newspaper, in its January 5, 2026 edition, reports on the Pallankuzhi contest held at the Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls School in Mylapore as part of the 22nd Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival. The competition saw participants of all ages, including a player from the USA, engaging in the traditional game. The article also mentions upcoming events in the festival, including concerts at the Kapaleeswarar Temple and a chess tournament. Additionally, Sundaram Finance announced a new sustainability initiative, “Grow Your Food,” which aims to encourage citizens to create kitchen gardens.

News Article:

Mylapore Festival Celebrates Tradition and Sustainability

Chennai, January 5, 2026 – The 22nd annual Sundaram Finance Mylapore Festival is underway, bringing together tradition, culture, and a focus on sustainability.

Yesterday, the Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar Girls School in Mylapore buzzed with excitement as participants competed in a spirited game of Pallankuzhi, a traditional Indian board game. Players of all ages, including a visitor from the United States, showcased their skills in this ancient pastime. “The energy was incredible,” said Mythili Subramanian, the competition organizer and former teacher, “Some teams managed to play over 20 games in the 45-minute time limit.” K.R. Jambuthan, a long-time resident whose family owns a 120-year-old Pallankuzhi board, participated and played a young girl visiting from the USA.

The festival will continue with concerts at the Kapaleeswarar Temple from January 8th to 11th, held from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. A chess tournament for children under 12 will also be held at Lady Sivaswamy Ayyar School on January 10th and 11th, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

In addition to the cultural events, Sundaram Finance is launching a new initiative called “Grow Your Food.” In partnership with the Environmental Foundation of India, the program will train citizens in setting up their own kitchen gardens, promoting sustainability and food security. Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director of Sundaram Finance, announced the launch earlier this week, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental efforts. He said that Sundaram Finance will launch a new initiative to encourage citizens to walk the BlueGreen Mile in 2026. This innovative blend of tradition and sustainability makes this year’s Mylapore Festival a truly unique and impactful event.

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