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 "Madras Day 2024")
Madras Day 2024. Photo: PTI
Madras Day is observed annually on August 22 to commemorate the birth of the city that is now known as Chennai. This day is celebrated in honour of one of India’s most well-known cities, which has a long history, culture, and legacy. Madras Day 2024 is a chance to learn more about the city’s history, its roots, and the importance of keeping its legacy alive.
The day is marked by a number of celebrations and activities that draw attention to the city’s extensive heritage and historical significance. Exhibitions, heritage walks, lectures, and cultural performances are all part of the festivities, which show how Chennai has grown from a small fishing village to a bustling metropolis.
What is the History of Madras Day?
On August 22, 1639, the British East India Company purchased a piece of land known as Chennapatnam from the local Nayak rulers, establishing Madras. One of the Company’s agents, Francis Day, leased the land, which marked the beginning of a settlement that would eventually become Madras (present-day Chennai).
Vincent D’Souza, editor of the Chennai-based local newspaper Mylapore Times, and Sashi Nair, director and editor of the Press Institute of India, first pitched the idea of celebrating Madras Day to historian S. Muthiah in 2004. The trio has been celebrating Madras Day since 2004. As indicated by them, the “primary motive of celebrating ‘Madras Day’ was to focus on the city, its past and its present.”
Significance of the Madras Day
There are two reasons why Madras Day is significant. First, it is a day to honour Chennai’s history and culture. Since the 17th century, the city has had a varied and rich history. People from all over India and the world have lived there, and its culture reflects this diversity.
Second, Madras Day celebrates unity and civic pride. Chennai is a big and complex city that boasts of a lively, cosmopolitan culture. Madras Day is a day when people from all walks of life celebrate their city together.
Madras Day 2024: Ways of Celebrations
• Education
On Madras Day, educational activities like talks, seminars, and talks about the city’s history, architecture, literature, and other cultural aspects are common. The purpose of these events is to inform both locals and visitors about the city’s history.
• Heritage Preservation
Madras Day promotes the preservation of historic landmarks, buildings, and monuments through workshops and heritage walks. It makes people aware of the significance of safeguarding the architectural heritage of the city.
• Community Bonding
Madras Day brings people together for a variety of cultural performances, exhibitions, walks, and celebrations. It increases citizens’ sense of community and belonging.
• Promotion of Local Art and Culture
Madras Day celebrations contribute to the preservation and promotion of the city’s cultural traditions by highlighting local art, music, dance, and cuisine.
• Tourism
The celebrations of Madras Day draw tourists and visitors who want to learn more about the history and culture of the city. Both the local economy and the tourism sector benefit from this.
Madras Day 2024: 5 Interesting Facts
• As per the Facts.net, Chennai is the fourth largest city in India with a population of more than 7 million.
• Chennai is also popular as ‘Detroit of India’
• The development of railways in South India relied heavily on the city of Chennai. In 1856, the first railway line in the area was built between Chennai and Arcot.
• Chennai is home to the world’s second-oldest English-language newspaper and has a long history in journalism. Established in 1785, The Madras Courier continues to be published today.
• The oldest public zoo in India can be found in Chennai. established as the Madras Zoo in 1855.
First Published: Aug 22 2024 | 2:53 PM IST
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