4th ISME South Asia Regional Conference
24-26 November, 2023 - Chennai, India
About Chennai
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. It is located on the south-eastern Coromandel Coast overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is known as the “Cultural Capital of India”, for its deep rooted music and dance traditions. It is also known as the “Health Capital of India” boasting the most advanced healthcare facilities in the country. The local language, Tamil, is one of the longest surviving classical languages in the world with written literature from over 2000 years ago.
Snapshot of the city
Music
As mentioned on the Home page, Chennai is one of the hotbeds of South Indian Classical, or Carnatic Music. Every year, tens of thousands of Carnatic music aficionados throng into Chennai's concert halls to attend over 1000 events (music, dance and lec-dems) over a period of 8-9 weeks starting from mid-November. People travel from all over the world for this event. Chennai is also home to Gaana music which is music for the masses and speaks of everyday troubles.
Kollywood releases hundreds of Tamil films each year, most of them having songs as an important part of the narrative. Kollywood is based in Chennai and boasts dozens of talented composers on an Indian and international level that compose in the popular genre of Indian film music.
India's most famous music composer, the "Mozart of Madras", A.R. Rahman (2 Oscars, 2 Grammys, 1 BAFTA, 1 Golden Globe, 6 National Awards, 15 Filmfare awards and 17 Filmfare awards South), is also the recipient of the third highest civilian award given to Indians, the Padma Bhushan. He is the founder/principal of our conference venue, KM Music Conservatory.
Food
Do not leave Chennai without trying the South Indian breakfast staples: Idly, vadai, and dosa accompanied by sambar (lentil+ vegetable stew) and a variety of chutneys, followed by a frothy filter coffee. Better still, for lunch one day, try out a South Indian meal served on a banana leaf! Chennai is a haven for vegetarians but vegans may need to specify their food preferences in detail at restaurants. For meat-lovers who can handle the spice, try out Chettinad cuisine.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in most Indian cities. Please refill your bottle at RO purification units/filters or buy branded bottled water.
Tourism
Other general information
Chennai is a safe place for tourists. English is understood widely. Medical facilities/pharmacies are widely available and affordable.
Snapshot of the city
- Languages : Tamil, English, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi (not widely spoken)
- Currency : Indian Rupee (US$ 1 = ~₹83)
- Timezone : UTC+ 5:30 (Indian Standard Time)
- Weather in November : Warm (23℃ - 29℃) with high chances of rain
- Preferred greeting : “Vanakkam”
Music
As mentioned on the Home page, Chennai is one of the hotbeds of South Indian Classical, or Carnatic Music. Every year, tens of thousands of Carnatic music aficionados throng into Chennai's concert halls to attend over 1000 events (music, dance and lec-dems) over a period of 8-9 weeks starting from mid-November. People travel from all over the world for this event. Chennai is also home to Gaana music which is music for the masses and speaks of everyday troubles.
Kollywood releases hundreds of Tamil films each year, most of them having songs as an important part of the narrative. Kollywood is based in Chennai and boasts dozens of talented composers on an Indian and international level that compose in the popular genre of Indian film music.
India's most famous music composer, the "Mozart of Madras", A.R. Rahman (2 Oscars, 2 Grammys, 1 BAFTA, 1 Golden Globe, 6 National Awards, 15 Filmfare awards and 17 Filmfare awards South), is also the recipient of the third highest civilian award given to Indians, the Padma Bhushan. He is the founder/principal of our conference venue, KM Music Conservatory.
Food
Do not leave Chennai without trying the South Indian breakfast staples: Idly, vadai, and dosa accompanied by sambar (lentil+ vegetable stew) and a variety of chutneys, followed by a frothy filter coffee. Better still, for lunch one day, try out a South Indian meal served on a banana leaf! Chennai is a haven for vegetarians but vegans may need to specify their food preferences in detail at restaurants. For meat-lovers who can handle the spice, try out Chettinad cuisine.
It is not recommended to drink tap water in most Indian cities. Please refill your bottle at RO purification units/filters or buy branded bottled water.
Tourism
- Marina Beach - 2nd longest urban beach in the world, Besant nagar beach.
- Ancient Hindu temples - Parthasarathy temple, Kapaleeshwar temple (Please note that non-Hindus are restricted from accessing certain areas of the temple. Please check the dress code before visiting religious sites.)
- Santhome Cathedral and other churches from the British era.
- T-Nagar - if you’re a shopaholic.
- Dakshin Chitra Heritage museum - about 35 km from the conference venue (“Dakshin Chitra” means 'picture of the south’).
- Matrimandir at Auroville, an experimental township with people from over 50 countries living together. It is about 150 km from Chennai (3 hours along the scenic East Coast Road).
Other general information
Chennai is a safe place for tourists. English is understood widely. Medical facilities/pharmacies are widely available and affordable.
Event partners
