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Madras Day 2025: Date, History and Significance

Madras Day 2025 will be celebrated on August 22 to mark the founding of Chennai in 1639. Learn about its history, significance, and events that honor the city’s rich cultural heritage.

August 22, 2025 / 09:45 IST
Madras Day

The city of Chennai is all set to celebrate Madras Day 2025 today, an annual event that marks the founding of the city on August 22, 1639. The day commemorates the historic agreement between the British East India Company and local Nayak rulers, which led to the establishment of Fort St. George — the first major British settlement in India and the nucleus around which modern Chennai grew.

Every year, Madras Day brings together historians, cultural enthusiasts, schools, and citizens who celebrate the city’s rich heritage through heritage walks, lectures, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, and food festivals. In 2025, the celebrations are expected to be bigger, with special programs highlighting Chennai’s transformation from a colonial port town into a bustling modern metropolis.

5 Quick Facts About Madras Day

  • Foundation Date – Madras Day is celebrated on August 22, marking the signing of the 1639 land grant that led to the city’s birth.
  • The Birthplace – The city grew around Fort St. George, built by the British East India Company along the Coromandel Coast.
  • From Madras to Chennai – The city was officially renamed Chennai in 1996, but the celebration still uses “Madras” to honor its origins.
  • Modern Revival – The first official Madras Day celebration was organized in 2004 by historian S. Muthiah and journalists Vincent D’Souza and Sashi Nair.
  • Cultural Celebration – Events include heritage walks, photo exhibitions, lectures, storytelling sessions, and food festivals that highlight the city’s legacy.
History Behind Madras Day
Madras, now known as Chennai, traces its foundation to August 22, 1639, when Francis Day of the East India Company signed a land grant with the local Nayak rulers. This piece of land along the Coromandel Coast paved the way for the construction of Fort St. George, which went on to become a prominent trading hub and administrative center. Over centuries, Madras evolved into a vibrant city known for its culture, architecture, and thriving commerce.

Why Madras Day Matters
Madras Day is not just about remembering history but also about celebrating the city’s identity. It serves as a reminder of Chennai’s unique blend of tradition and modernity — from Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam to IT parks and a thriving film industry. It is also an occasion to instill civic pride and create awareness about preserving the city’s heritage.

This year’s programs include heritage tours of iconic neighborhoods like Mylapore and George Town, photography exhibitions showcasing the city’s evolving skyline, and discussions on urban planning challenges. Schools across Chennai are also organizing competitions to engage students in learning about the city’s past.

As Chennai turns another year older, Madras Day 2025 promises to be both a nostalgic journey into the past and a celebration of the city’s enduring spirit.

Madras Day 2025 FAQs

1. When is Madras Day celebrated?
Madras Day is celebrated every year on August 22, marking the date in 1639 when the British East India Company signed the land grant that led to the city’s founding.

2. Why is it called Madras Day and not Chennai Day?
The celebration uses the historic name “Madras” to honor the city’s origins. Although the city was officially renamed Chennai in 1996, the event retains the old name to highlight its heritage.

3. Who started the Madras Day celebrations?
The idea was initiated in 2004 by a group of Chennai-based historians and journalists, including S. Muthiah, Vincent D’Souza, and Sashi Nair, to spread awareness about the city’s history.

4. What events take place during Madras Day?
The celebrations include heritage walks, public lectures, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, school competitions, food festivals, and photography contests, all focused on Chennai’s history and culture.

5. Why is Madras Day significant for citizens today?
Madras Day encourages people to reconnect with their city’s roots, appreciate its architectural and cultural legacy, and develop a sense of civic pride in protecting and preserving Chennai’s heritage.

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