Made In Madras

Priyanka Rout

Made In Madras

The rustic world of Madras, filled with architectural wealth to the brim, is known to be the center stage for music and dance. With ravishing beaches and cumbersome culinary cottages, Madras is deemed one of the safest cities for women. It has something in store for people from all walks of life, be it an IITian or an actor. Home to millions and a dream for billions, Madras sends warm Vanakkam vibes.

Madras: Where traditions meet beauty; Image Source: Indulge - The New Indian Express

With a fascinating mix of history legend and myth, Madras (now known as Chennai) has numerous history boxes for almost every place that resides within it. Be it the famous temples or busy streets, Madras makes sure to celebrate everything that comes within its territory. The city of transformation gives us ample reasons to get together and celebrate the very reason of its existence. Most of us are aware of Madras celebrating its birthday on August 22. But being a tourist, if you want to explore the history and culture of Chennai, then Madras week is the perfect opportunity for you. Filled with multifarious themes ranging from history, food, and culture to architecture and personalities, do not forget to carry a copy of Madras On My Mind - A City In Stories by Chitra and Krishna with yourself to get a clearer picture of what’s exactly happening around you.

Gleaming with the title of clean and green city, every year Madras encourages its citizens to conserve the trees and plant more to make a green cover that would adorn the surroundings. An organisation named Nizhal works to spread awareness among people about the need to cover the city with greenry and takes regular surveys to plan out a proper tree planting session for the areas that are more prone to cyclones and floods.

Talk sessions are conducted by some of the famous scientists and researchers of Chennai such as Dr. Hemachandrao Rao. Dr. Rao had conducted intensive research on Buckingham Canal and he talked about the people who built this canal with amazing visions in mind. Right from its construction days to the advantages that it provides even today, talks of these sorts make people aware of the elaborate history of the city.

If we are talking about the history of Madras, how can we forget to give our heartfelt tribute to the Nawab? The famous Arcot Nawab Trail conducted by a film-making company named Media Kombai is quite famous. In this passage, the participants explore the bygone era as they start the walk from the Chepauk Palace, the seat of Arcot Nawabs. As they proceed on their way to Triplicane, they walk through the Walajah Road which consists of mesmerising Arcot architecture and the Walajah Mosque made in the Indo Saracenic style. Finally, the walk comes to an end in front of Amir Mahal which is said to be the current royal residence of the Arcot Nawab’s family.

Not only walks and talks but there are also some of the most delicious delicacies that are served in food walks. Starting from the Mehta Bros Mithaiwala to Saravana Sandwich outlet, food is one of the most sought-after-walk by all the tourists and citizens.

To honor one of the most famous directors, K. Balachander, the Probus Club hosts an event called ‘Madras in the eyes of late legendary film and drama director K Balachander and now Chennai, in the eyes of filmmaker and theater director Bombay Chanakya'.

Some of the famous art revolutionaries of my dress art movement such as KCS Panicker, Alfonso Arul Doss, B. Perumal, Suriyamoorthy, and many others are also given tribute in the form of a documentary film made by the famous filmmaker Gita Hudson from DakshinaChitra. This show is not only a portrayal of the lives of these great men but also an inspiration for all the Fine Arts students and art enthusiasts who want to take up art as their career option.

When we say that Madras Week has something in store for people from all walks of life, how can we forget the people who have special needs? A group called Explore Differently conducts walks for the people who are bound to a wheelchair. They are given a tour of the history of Chennai Museum and the Arms and Weapons Gallery that gives these people a new perspective of life.

The budding children also have a chance to explore the heritage of their city in the Children’s Heritage Walk program that not only instils a sense of creative vision but also fosters ideations among the young participants. The organiser of the walk takes them to the metro and the markets, the idols of Shiva and Vishnu, and a famous market where fish and sandalwood garlands are sold.

As we say the camera is not only a machine but a sketchbook where intuition and spontaneity find their place. True to these words, the Chennai Photowalkers conduct a photo exhibition titled Eyes of Madras and bring forth various attractions of this city to the forefront.

Heritage revival is now an important issue in our country. With increasing disturbance in the climate, archaeologists are trying to find new methods to conserve these ancient architectures. Even the Vanishing Heritage Project of the Ashvita Foundation conducts visual documentation of their research that gives the citizens an idea of the importance of preserving the cultural sites that reflect the glorious past of the city.

When all of this comes to an end, you will find yourself falling in love with the city. You might love your home town the most, but when you plan on coming back to attend yet another Madras Week, the city would still give a broad smile and welcome you with a warm Vanakkam.