Its people are what make Mamallapuram what it is: the sculptors, migrant artisans and fisherfolk-restaurateurs that take up Othavadai street today have a hopeful air about them. It is going to be a busy few weeks.
Apart from the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022, the Covelong Point Surf, Music and Yoga Festival and the Tamil Nadu International Kite Festival are events that the seaside town will play host to in the first half of August.
Leading up to the beach that flaunts the picturesque backdrop of the distant shore temple, Wasim Altaf’s small handicrafts shop is quiet today, but the coming week is a crucial one, he says.
