63-year-old Rajalakshmi Parameshwaran was clapping and dancing to live gaana songs alongside hundreds of music lovers at the World Music Day Gig marathon 2026, organised by the Greater Chennai Corporation in association with On The Streets (OTS) of Chennai at the Pedestrian Plaza in Pondy Bazaar on Sunday.

“I have been coming to this street music community every weekend, and this is where I met most of my best friends. Moreover, this is a reminder you can still have fun even after your 50s,” she says.

As part of World Music Day celebrations, the event that started at 7 a.m. and continued until 10 p.m. had a line-up that included indie music, sing-alongs, classical fusion, parai, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam film songs, a girl band, a kids’ band, along with yoga and art activities. About a hundred musicians performed at the event.

“A lot of things happened today that brought us joy. A person with disability came all the way from Potheri in his wheelchair and stayed here listening to the music from morning,” says Senthil Raj, founder of OTS.

Meanwhile, Salma, who leads the Tea Kada boys performed folk songs on stage. “Not everyone can afford expensive concerts even though they may dream of attending one. But here, on the streets, we are doing concerts for free. Music is for everyone, and music should be inclusive,” she adds. Another artist from the girl-band Triad, Anbumathi (Avox), says these mini concerts on the streets is about enabling public spaces and building community.

Co-founder of OTS, Krish, who also performed classical fusion with his band Anahata, says that they want to transform Chennai’s streets, beaches, and parks into cultural hubs. The event also included a classical open mic for anyone from the audience to take the stage and perform.