How the city is playing its mahjong tiles right

I missed my turn again… I could’ve called pung !” a participant groans, pressing her tiles back into neat rows as the others at the table dissolve into laughter. Around her, green felt-topped mahjong tables are lined in careful grids, stacks of ivory-coloured tiles clicking softly as players build walls, draw, and discard. Some players lean forward in concentration, others sip hot chocolate between rounds, but all eyes return, again and again, to the small worlds arranged in front of them. This is the scene at a growing number of mahjong gatherings in Chennai, where a game once glimpsed only in movies or travels abroad is quietly finding a devoted and diverse community of players.

‘Mahjong has a book club-like atmosphere’For Shalini Manglani, who conducts mahjong classes, the game’s appeal lies as much in community as in strategy. “The mahjong table becomes a space for laughter, camaraderie and shared interest,” she says, noting that her sessions draw everyone from young mothers to working professionals. Rupali, who took up the game after watching Crazy Rich Asians, says, “You meet people from different walks of life and before you know it, two or three hours have passed and you go home happy.” Priyanka Acharya calls it a fun alternative to just eating or drinking out, while first-timers say it’s given them another way to connect with friends. “It has a book club–like atmosphere… relaxed, screen-free, and deeply social,” Shalini adds.

‘Trying Mahjong felt like a natural extension’For a small circle of residents who already meet regularly, mahjong has become a recent addition to a rotation of potluck lunches, movie afternoons, and familiar card games. The group takes turns hosting, keeping things informal. “We’re used to meeting just to talk, play cards, and share food, so trying mahjong felt like a natural extension,” says Vatsala RS, who plays with a neighbourhood group. “Some days we play, other days we just catch up.” The learning curve, members say, has only added to the fun. “None of us grew up with this game,” notes Anuradha. “But learning it together has given our meetings a fresh energy.”

From rummy tables to mahjong tilesWhat began as a passing curiosity has, for a small circle of women in the city, become a familiar Friday ritual. Many first discovered mahjong in novels, where it unfolded over long, convivial afternoons. “I used to read about women abroad playing mahjong and it sounded like something between a strategy game and a kitty party,” laughs Annapoornae, who now hosts games at her Adyar home. “Now, we’ve replaced our rummy afternoons with tiles on the table.”

Written By: Aashna Reddy