Hibiscus Foundation to host annual Adaiyalam mental health festival in Chennai

The Chennai-based youth-led mental health organisation Hibiscus Foundation is organizing 'Adaiyalam', an annual mental health festival in Chennai. Centred around the theme 'Illusion of Normality', the festival aims to spark vital conversations regarding emotional well-being and make mental health engagement highly accessible and relevant for the city's youth.

The upcoming event comes at a time when mental health experts and therapists in Chennai observe that slowing down has increasingly become a luxury. In a generation where hustle culture and the 'grind' are frequently celebrated as symbols of productivity, professionals emphasize that taking time to pause, reflect, and engage without external pressure is equally important for overall well-being.

To address these needs, 'Adaiyalam' will bring together mental health professionals, wellness organisations, and young people through a series of stalls, workshops, and discussions. The festival is designed to provide interactive experiences that allow participants to connect with mental health concepts practically.

Among the scheduled activities are card games that help participants identify their unique personality traits, alongside theatre-based activities specifically designed to teach grounding techniques for anxiety.

The festival's diverse programming also features dance and music therapy, dramatherapy, yoga, and guided imagery sessions. For professionals, a therapist finance workshop will be offered. Additionally, a specialized theatre-based session will explore the complex intersections of mental health with caste and climate.

A key highlight of the festival is a youth summit, which is being hosted in collaboration with SCARF and The Banyan. The event will also facilitate networking sessions to connect young participants directly with experienced practitioners.

Organisers from the Hibiscus Foundation stated that their primary goal is to create a safe space where young people can engage with mental health in ways that feel accessible and directly relevant to their daily lives.