Athangudi Christmas Tree unveiled in Chennai

CHENNAI: ITC Grand Chola has kicked off the festive season with the unveiling of a Christmas tree -- the Athangudi Christmas Tree -- rooted in Tamil Nadu's artistic heritage.

Inspired by the vibrant Athangudi tiles of Chettinad, the tree is a tribute to the rich heritage of local art and culture. The intricate tile patterns have been recreated on repurposed wood by physically or intellectually challenged people in collaboration with artist Rahool Saksena.

Each tile, steeped in a 500-year-old tradition, reflects the vibrant artistic legacy of the Chettinad region. Once gracing the resplendent halls of Tamil Nadu’s ancestral palaces, these tiles now find new expression, seamlessly bridging the timeless and the contemporary.

Shaariq Akhtar, GM of ITC Grand Chola, said, “The Athangudi Christmas Tree is a tangible manifestation of ITC Grand Chola’s commitment to fostering an equilibrium between indulgent luxury, environmental stewardship and patronage of local artisans. It is a celebration of India’s cultural lineage and an invocation to preserve and elevate artisanal traditions through meaningful platforms."

The installation will be on display throughout the holiday season.


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