We all know and love the alluring aroma of filter coffee, the experience of strolling down the breezy Marina beach, and the jaw-dropping architecture that’s been around for ages, so here’s raising a toast to Namma Chennai! Chennai is celebrating its 381st birthday today, fondly known as Madras day. On 22nd August 1639, the British East India Company purchased Madrasapattinam which marked the founding of Madras. To remove the colonial tag from the name, Madras was renamed to Chennai in 1996.
“Vandhaarai vaazha vaikum Chennai” isn’t just a phrase, it’s an emotion. Chennai accepts us for who we are, whoever we are, with open arms. Chennai almost instantly does away with the fear of fitting in that all newcomers have.
Affordable and easily accessible autos, recommended by most ‘Chennai vaasis’, are the best way to explore places here. Chennai, and all its tourist attractions are an amalgam of tradition and modernity. From the peaceful Shore temple in Mamallapuram, to the soothing hymns at the Mylapore temples; from the extensive collection at Connemara library to the ever-bustling Richie Street and T.Nagar; from the breathtaking Santhome Church to the historical beauty of Fort St. George; from the massive TIDEL parks to the endless outlets at every mall - Chennai is home to the young and old alike. The first day, first show of Thalaivar, Thala, and Thalapathy movies are a ritual for most people here, to come together and celebrate Tamil cinema.
Summer vacations in Chennai are marked by the resounding cheers for CSK, while all our hearts bleed yellow. And when we’re not celebrating something, the residents of Chennai are usually enjoying a plethora of dishes, whether from roadside vendors or posh cafes and restaurants. Even college canteens like the ones at Anna University are popular amongst students and locals alike.
Besides embracing our love for Chennai through social media posts and attire, this Madras day, remember to commit to preserving the city’s heritage. It’s the responsibility of every Chennaiite to not only love and respect this city, but also contribute to taking our “nagaram” to greater heights.
“Chancey illa. Namma Chennai pola vera oore illa”.
