Vijayalakshmi Krishna says that Kanchipuram, the city of a thousand temples located only two hours from Chennai, has always been an artiste’s playground.

Threads of silk from the houses of artisans come together to make fabric in hues that are sometimes yet to be named, making it the perfect base for experimentation. It is why as the founder of Aavaranaa, a 20-year-old clothing brand from Chennai, Vijayalakshmi is intent that the first time she opens her store space for intimate events, she would like to weave in bits of Kanchipuram into the organisation’s story.

Between June 19 and 21, Aavaranaa will be hosting the unusual mid-year margazhi, an event that hopes to spotlight two Carnatic artistes in the city, while also hosting a talk. “Much of the performances in Chennai are clustered around December and January. We wanted to change that,” Vijayalakshmi says.

The festival kicks off with Carnatic vocalist Brindha Manickavasakan performing on day 1, followed by a talk on Kanchipuram’s stunning temples such as the Kailasanathar temple and the Varadaraja Perumal temple by historian Chitra Madhavan on June 20, and a Carnatic music concert by artiste Rithvik Raja on the last day.

“Aavaranaa began as a saree brand but what has stayed consistent from then to now is our belief in Indian textiles and the artisans who have been involved in the process. We work with a small set of weavers and artisans from the temple town. But we have our own set of designs and colours that we ask them to work with. Although I do not visit as often as I once did, we still are actively in touch. Kanjeevaram weaves are excessively used in sarees but they make for great pieces in our ready-to-wear collection too. Because the fabric and silk has played such a significant role, our performers will be weaving the story of the town in their performances,” she says.

Vijayalakshmi adds that she hopes that more events at their store would allow for talent, particularly upcoming artistes to perform here.

Mid-year Margazhi will be on from June 19 to 21 with Brindha Manickavasakan performing on June 19 at 4.30pm; Chitra Madhavan speaking on June 20 at 11am; and Rithvik Raja on June 21 at 11am. Entry is free but registration is mandatory. Contact them on Instagram @aavaranaa or WhatsApp 8939300020.