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Dakshinachitra in Tamil Nadu

Dakshinachitra, often called Dakshina Chitra, presents a slice of the customs and traditions of the 4 South Indian states namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is a venture of the non-profit organization named Madras Craft Foundation (MCF). The initial idea of DakshinaChitra was conceptualized by its Chairman Deborah Tyagarajan while British Architect, Lawrie Baker brought it to life. This center for the promotion of art and culture opened its gates to the public from 1996. DakshinaChitra stretches on ten acres of sprawling land, which overlooks the beautiful Bay of Bengal, at Muttukadu, located 25 kms south of Chennai, on the East Coast Road leading to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.

Dakshina Chitra is open to visitors on all weekdays, except Tuesdays, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may take a bus or a car from Parry's Corner or Poonamalee to reach here. If you want to have a glimpse of the rich culture of South India, without any dilemma you should head straight to Dakshinachitra. Antique furniture or architectural specimens from ancient houses of 18th, 19th as well as early 20th century are brought over to add to the unique collection at DakshinaChitra, from the various regions of South India. The total procedure requires painstaking effort. At first, a house is identified. It could either be the home of an Ikkat weaver in the northern fringes of Karnataka or an ancestral house in the Chettinad region. After its purchase, the house is dismantled. Then, its interesting parts are carried over to DakshinaChitra, where the house is recreated as an interesting period piece for a particular era in the region meant for the particular State.

The first stop at Dakshina Chitra is a splendid Chettinad house in the Tamil Nadu segment. Inside the house, you will feel the flavors and spectacles of Chettiad life coming alive. Minutes later, inside the Sattanur house, you will have a glimpse of the agricultural surroundings of Tamil Nadu. The Ayyanar Shrine of Tamil Nadu is a visual delight with its big sculptures of the village guardian deity. The Basket Maker's House built of cow dung and mud just next to the Ayyanar Shrine is another thing that should be visited for sure. From there, step inside Agraharam - the sacred chamber of the Tamil Brahmin society.

The next step is an appointment with Kerala, located a few steps away, round the corner. You will be delighted to find Kerala's Tharavadu (clan) homes crafted elegantly in wood. From here, take the path leading to the Karnataka sector where the solitary Ikkat Weaver's House is re-created. The section of Andhra Pradesh will take some time before it is opened to the public.

What do to in Dakshinachitra

You can visit Dakshinachitra on all weekdays except Tuesday between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At first, you can step into an impressive Chettinad house of the Tamil Nadu section. You will be mesmerized by the spectacles and the flavors of Chettiar life within the interiors of the house. The Sattanur house, located a few minutes away will let you have a peep into the agricultural surrounding of Tamil Nadu. The Ayyanar Shrine of Tamil Nadu is another attraction with its big statues of the village guardian deity. Just next to the Ayyanar Shrine, The Basket Maker's House made of cow dung and mud should also feature in your list of "must-see". From there, you can move to Agraharam - the sacred chamber of the Tamil Brahmin society. In one of the houses of this region, you can enjoy the Shadow Puppet show.

Make your next appointment with Kerala which is a few steps away just round the corner. Kerala's tharavadu (clan) homes elegantly made of wood are a visual treat of a unique nature. From here, head straight to the Karnataka sector where the solitary Ikkat Weaver's House is sure to enchant you. The section of Andhra Pradesh will take some time before it is opened to the public.

Dakshinachitra has carved its name as a creative center which encourages soft-stone workers, South Indian potters, weavers, textile printers as well as other artisans. Visitors at DakshinaChitra are also treated to traditional folk performances. Travelers to Dakshinachitra may also enjoy a live pottery demonstration or even a bullock-cart ride!

So, delay no more. Come to Dakshinachitra so that you can experience the diverse and magical flavors of South India.





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