Madras Day 2020: Every year August 22 is observed as Madras Day. The day commemorates the founding of the city of Madras, which was founded on August 22, 1639. This land, initially called Chennapattinam, Madraspatanam, soon became Madras and then Chennai.
The idea to mark Madras Day celebrations was started by Chennai Heritage Foundation in 2004.
Madras Day was an idea that three people put together – the city’s famed historian, S. Muthiah, journalist Sashi Nair and publisher Vincent D’ Souza. Later, they have been joined by three others – senior journalist and editor Sushila Ravindranath, journalist and website entrepreneur Revathi R and entrepreneur and writer-historian V. Sriram.
On this day, people celebrate the history and the present wonders of the city. Contests, heritage walks, school programmes, photo exhibitions, bike tours, quizzes, and food fests are organised to celebrate Madras Day. To prolong the celebrations, they last for a week instead of just a day, and thus it is often called Madras Week. However, the celebrations this year will not be grand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
On the occasion of Madras Day, here are the top 6 things Chennai is famous for:
Jalikattu
This sport of taming the bull has been organised and played for ages, and every year locals participate in bullfighting with fierce enthusiasm. The festival began during the Tamil classical period and since then has flourished. Today, despite a few controversies, Jallikattu is celebrated all over Chennai with pomp and show. For the festival, special Bos indicus bulls are bred and used.
Sundal
Sundal is a popular snack that is served at the beaches in Chennai. Popular among the locals, sundal is a must-have at any beach in the city.
Chennai Super Kings
The local team in the IPL is much adored by Chennaiites who throng the Chepauk Stadium, one of the picturesque stadiums in India, to cheer for their team in every IPL match. They come all geared up for a good time with their flags and team jerseys.
British-era Architechture
The city is popular for its British-era Architecture. Across the city, many buildings still have the charming British architecture. These iconic buildings are cherished to this date.
IIT Madras
The highly acclaimed university is well known across the world. Apart from education, the IIT Madras campus offers all-round development for students to excel in multiple fields of their interest. They have a state-of-the-art cinema, an open theatre and many music concert halls on their premises.
Marina Beach
Clean and tidy, this beach offers tourists a beautiful view, clear waters, and a variety of water sports that they can indulge in. They can also gorge on some lip-smacking local snacks sold on the beach, go for a horse ride or simply lay on the beach beds and get tanned. Marina Beach is the longest natural urban beach in the country.
