Matribhumi Samachar English
Chennai, July 2026: What began as a passion project among friends has now grown into one of Chennai’s most refreshing community-led experiences. Mahjong by J, founded by image consultant and life coach Jharna Sattanathan, successfully hosted Chennai’s first curated Mahjong Mixer at the Mahjong Room, ITC Welcome Hotel, bringing together over 40 women for an engaging afternoon of strategy, conversation and meaningful connections.
The sold-out mixer marked a milestone for Chennai’s emerging Mahjong community, offering participants far more than a game. Designed as a curated social experience, players rotated tables after every round, creating opportunities to meet new people, build friendships and connect with fellow Mahjong enthusiasts in an increasingly digital world.
What made the event truly memorable was its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Beginners and experienced players alike shared tables, stories and laughter, with many attendees leaving not only with improved Mahjong skills but also with new friendships.
The initiative is the vision of Jharna Sattanathan, who never intended to turn Mahjong into a business. An image consultant and life coach by profession, she began teaching the game to a few friends simply because she loved it and believed in the power of bringing people together through meaningful, offline interactions.
Over the past few months, that passion has spread organically through word of mouth, with more than 50–60 people across Chennai learning Mahjong through her structured sessions. Today, Mahjong by J has evolved into a growing community where people gather to learn, play and build lasting relationships beyond screens.
“Mahjong has always been more than just a game for me. It’s a beautiful way to slow down, engage the mind and create genuine human connections. Watching complete strangers leave the mixer as friends was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed why I started this journey in the first place,” said Jharna Sattanathan, Founder of Mahjong by J.
The overwhelming response to the inaugural mixer reflects a growing appetite for experiential, community-driven gatherings that encourage face-to-face interaction while celebrating the strategic depth and cultural heritage of Mahjong.
Following the success of the event, Mahjong by J plans to host regular Mahjong workshops, curated mixers and community events, further strengthening Chennai’s growing Mahjong culture and creating more spaces where people can connect through play.
As the city embraces this timeless game in a contemporary social format, Mahjong by J is steadily transforming Mahjong from a niche pastime into a vibrant community movement – one tile, one table and one friendship at a time.
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