Participants learning the art of making terrarium at a workshop being conducted as part of The Madurai Market on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: MOORTHY G
As Madurai Market enters its eighth edition, what began as a pop-up experiment to provide space for entrepreneurs who, in the virtual world, have sizeable followers, to meet astute customers who value these products, has now grown into a community, say Abigail Samuel and Rishwanth of JC Residency, co-founders of this concept.
The seventh edition had seen a footfall of more than 1000 people. Mala, a regular visitor to the ‘market’, points out, “unlike other exhibitions, this has something for everybody. I think conducting workshops along with the setting of stalls is a unique concept. And as these workshops are now part and parcel of this two-day event, it makes it a must-visit on my social calendar.”
Ansi Nishanth of Madurai Planters and Nursery, has been a regular stallholder at the event. “But this is the first time that I am planning to hold a workshop on terrariums,” she says. “Unlike other pop-up initiatives, I have noticed that visitors who come here are more art-oriented, and they are interested in learning about various products on display. This motivated me to conduct a workshop and the enquiries have been tremendous,” she adds.
Vani of Cotton Candy Bedsheets has been part of the Madurai Market right from its first edition. “I am a homemaker, and I was selling these cotton products on my Instagram page. The first time I showcased my exclusive collection at the market, the response has been tremendous, both virtually and there are repeat customers who come home to buy the products. Earlier, I was apprehensive about inviting customers to my house, but those I meet here are of an exclusive segment who have a discerning taste and are also trustworthy.”
For many of the repeat vendors, the plus point has been the interest shown by guests staying at JC Residency. “An architect from Thiruvananthapuram who was staying here got in touch with us, and we are now sending our furnishings for his projects,” she adds.
The eye-catching woodcraft by Nikila of picky_artz was another stall that had many visitors hovering around it. Based in Coimbatore, Nikila says that she had set up a stall here earlier and had found that there was good demand for her wooden doll sets.
Priya from Erode is taking part for the first time. Excited to see the number of visitors coming in, she was sure that many desert lovers would find her brownies irresistible and her Instagram shoppers would also increase.
For Abigail it has been a fulfilling experience. “Meeting these budding entrepreneurs, constantly thinking about what new experience or which new vendor we should bring to Madurai, has been a wonderful journey,” she says.
For those who wait eagerly for the Madurai Market, it is not just the delicious snacks, the lovely artisanal products or the exercise for the brain that the workshops provide, but it is also the vibe and the buzz of a niche market that one can simply enjoy by just sitting with friends and sipping coffee.
Entry is free, and Madurai Market will be open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at JC Residency.
Published – October 03, 2026 08:05 pm IST
