CHENNAI DAY :385th BIRTHDAY :22/8/2025: RBKISHORE
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1) The first city of modern India, Chennai, is celebrating its 385th birthday on 22/8/2025, as Chennai, then Madras was founded on 22 August, 1639. Rechristened as Chennai in 1996, the capital of Tamil Nadu is now home to more than 7 million people. The idea of Madras Day was born when a group of Madras lovers got together 17years ago to celebrate the city, its history, traditions and culture.
2) Madras is one of the oldest cities. Kolkata is 50 years younger than Madras and Bombay is about 35 years younger. And it was here that almost virtually everything in modern India began - the first Municipality, as early as in 1688, the first Technical College - Guindy Engg college in 1794, first shopping mall Spencer's in 1863, the first Cricket Club in India set up here in 1846, and the list of FIRSTS continue with first Big Library in Connemara, first Big Book Store in Higginbothams, Country's Oldest Railway Station in Royapuram, first Public Zoo in the country in Vandalur etc. 400 temples, 200 churches n 200 mosques are here, 35000 people get employed newly every year in the city; Asia's biggest IT park is here in Tidal park, Asia's biggest Bus Stand is here in Koyambedu ; it's one of the safest cities to live with excellent medical facilities .
3) Madras Day is celebrated on August 22, 2025. Madras Day is a day of celebrations organised in the city of Madras, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is named after Madras. It commemorates the Founding of the modern city by establishing Fort St George on a small piece of land acquired from the last King of Chandragiri in 1639 by the British East India Company. The celebrations include several events organised including citizens and students and lasts for a week. (With material from: Wikipedia)
4) Madras Day started off as a small Citizen Initiative. Three citizens- Historian S Muthiah, Journalist Sashi Nair and Publisher Vincent D’ became the first ones to come up with the idea to honour this day with a festival in 2004.
5)Chennai formerly known as Madras is celebrating its 385th Birthday this week
Like every year, Madras day is celebrated on 22 August as it is widely believed that Chennai (Madras) was founded on this date in the year 1639
The celebrations run for a week with a number of people participating in the events organized to promote and highlight the good in the city and to remember its rich history.
This year, the celebrations of 'Madras Week' will run between 18 August and 25 August with events like walks, contests, talks, exhibitions and quizzes
6) History of city:
· A deal was struck between British administrator Francis Day and the Nayak rulers to buy a sliver of land — where Fort St. George stands now — to establish the East India Company.
· As per an article in Hindustan Times: “The deal was struck by Francis Day, his ‘dubash’ Beri Thimmappa, and their superior, Andrew Cogan, with the local Nayak rulers. It is believed that this deal was made on August 22, 1639.”
· The Fort St. George, which was the British built fortified factory, today houses the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Rechristened Chennai in 1996 to get rid of the colonial tag, the capital of Tamil Nadu is now home to over five million. Even though the city’s official name is Chennai, locals still call the celebrations ‘Madras Day’ or ‘Madras Week’ perhaps out of nostalgia.
· The city was initially called Madrasatnam and Chennapattinam, which soon became Madras and then Chennai.
7) How it is being celebrated:
· The celebratory events generally begin a fortnight before and a fortnight after the anniversary on 22 August. A number of people participate in the events organised to promote and highlight the good in the city and to remember its rich history.
· This year, the celebrations will run between 18 and 25 August. As per The Times of India, among the events will be an audio tour of George Town by the Urban Design Collective on 17 August; a talk on the Tamil stand-up by Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, theatre and film actor Annamalai L of Tanglish Comedy, Jagan Krishnan and Guru Nicketan on 19 August at Amethyst; a quiz on Madras, its sporting and film history by Partab Ramchand on 21 August; and a talk on ‘Women, Sports and Madras’ by veteran golf player Jayshree Bhagath on 24 August.
8) New York Times in its Survey of Best places to visit included only Chennai in its list of 52 cities in South Asia, Forbes magazine reports Chennai as one of the Top 10 cities which grows fast. It's the place where people claim to be not mine or yours or his/her - but " ours " - namma Ooru Chennaiku oru periya whistle podunga😤😤; (to our City Chennai,blow a big whistle loud)
9)India can boast of many big cities & when we learn about its past, rich heritage,traditions,we are spellbound
Wisdom dawns, we are proud to be part of our Motherland India ,,living & vibrant entity , with Unity in Diversity
Aim in life till last day of our lives shd be Learn good things,Unlearn bad things like oddities,eccentricities & Relearn New Systems,Digital Revolution .Then people who inhabit such cities can be worthy citizens,of a worthy India.
10)Chennai is a city rich in culture and offers diverse activities for visitors. From exploring historical sites like Fort St. George and Kapaleeshwarar Temple to experiencing vibrant festivals and enjoying local cuisine, Chennai has something for everyone. Visitors can also indulge in shopping, relax on the beaches, or delve into the city's art scene.
Cultural Experiences:
Festivals:
Chennai comes alive during festivals like Pongal, a harvest festival with traditional rituals and delicious food. The Madras Music Season is a major event showcasing classical Carnatic music.
Dance:
Chennai is the hub of Bharatanatyam, and events like the Natyanjali Dance Festival offer captivating performances.
Art:
Explore the city's art scene by visiting the Cholamandal Artists Village or the Government Museum.
Temples:
Visit iconic temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple.
Heritage Walks:
Take guided walking tours to discover the city's historical and architectural gems.
Museums:
Explore museums like the Government Museum, Fort St. George Museum, and the DakshinaChitra Museum.
Music:
Experience the vibrant Carnatic music scene, especially during the Madras Music Season.
Other Activities:
Beaches:
Relax on Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, or visit Elliot's Beach.
Shopping:
Explore bustling markets and shopping districts for local handicrafts and textiles.
Culinary Adventures:
Indulge in the local cuisine, including dishes like idli, vada, dosa, and Chettinad specialties.
Outdoor Activities:
Enjoy water sports or explore attractions like the Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Day Trips:
Consider visiting nearby attractions like Mahabalipuram, known for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures, or Kanchipuram, famous for its silk sarees.
Happy Birthday Chennai, love u loads😍😍
R.B.KISHORE
PATRON,AIRIEF,PATRON RIEA CHENNAI,
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