SUMUKHAM - Oonjal - 19th June 2023

Introducing the "Traditional Oonjal - Sit and Chat" at "SUMUKHAM" Car Park (in a Flat System).

To combat the summer heat, the Mylapore Trio - Amarnath, Surendranath, Aparna brought about an innovative idea of putting up a traditional Oonjal in their Covered Car Park area at their New Flats "SUMUKHAM" in R.A. Puram. The Trio wanted to make the best use of an Antique Oonjal Plank and Nickel Chain (more than Hundred years). Hence they hang it at their car park to sit and chat and enjoy the Evening Summer Breeze and it was inaugurated on Sunday, 18th June, 2023. It was a social get together with a High Tea in the Evening. Barring age, young and old (8 to 80 years) relax themselves solo or in group starting from Early Morning till Night hours.

It is totally a DIFFERENT IDEA to put up Oonjal in a FLAT SYSTEM for common use. Residents of "SUMUKHAM" Flats are extremely joyful and glad to swing and chat for a while with their families and co-residents. Trio also conducts Association meetings and small get together with the Jhula at the centre stage and as the centre of attraction. As families they come and enjoy few swings and get into nostalgia... instead of going to the terrace in hot sun... people feel the comfortable to swing and enjoy the cool breeze... Definitely the purpose of putting up a Oonjal was achieved.... Today the "Oonjal has become a Symbol of "SUMUKHAM".

Oonjal though an age old custom in independent Houses, Bunglows and in Villages... in City it is seen only in open spaces,  Lawns in Flat system and in Parks... and not in covered car parks (Oonjals are also inside the rooms). The present generation is always in tight schedule wedded to their mobiles and laptops which is both their work culture and relaxation. So the Trio thought of Oonjal idea to make the residents of "SUMUKHAM" have a feel of openness and pollution free air by swinging to their heart's content in the car park. It is not a Oonjal in the midst of greenery in the open air,,, but an Oonjal in the midst of concrete pillars on all sides, which is something very unique to the city culture. Its also quite safe and secure for children to swing and enjoy within the compound. The Residents are feeling proud to have this innovate concept of Oonjal at "SUMUKHAM".

https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2023/06/antique-oonjal-fixed-in-common-space-in-this-apartment-block-invites-residents-to-go-easy/