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Madras, now Chennai was born 379 years ago. It is believed that on this day, August 22, 1639, a deal was struck between British administrator Francis Day and the Nayak rulers to buy some land — where Fort St George now stands — to establish the East India Company. This land was initially called Chennapattinam, Madrasatnam and it soon became Madras and then Chennai. From the forts and small settlements, the city has today grown into this big, bustling metro city.
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This day was celebrated by the civilians but it has now become a grand affair. The idea to celebrate a city’s birthday sprung in the minds of three people – the city’s famed historian S Muthiah, journalist Sashi Nair and publisher Vincent D’ Souza in 2004.
There are more than 150 events which are scheduled. From heritage walks, film screenings, public talks, exhibitions, public performances to food festivals and quizzes, the celebration has it all. This year, the festivities began from August 19 and will continue till August 26 this week.
The city was renamed Chennai in the year 1996 by the state government. It was then that it was getting rid of the colonial tag. While Chennai is the official name associated to the city, it is perhaps for nostalgic reasons that the localites still call the celebration ‘Madras Day.’
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