CHENNAI

When I think of Chennai, I do not just think of a city; I think of the place that feels like home, no matter how busy its streets are or how loud its traffic gets. Chennai is not just where I live – it’s where my roots, my memories and my identity lie.

Every corner of Chennai whispers stories of its past. Walk through the lanes of Mylapore and you will see the ancient Kapaleeshwarar Temple, its colourful gopuram standing tall as if it has seen centuries go by. Then, take a stroll by Fort St. George and you are reminded of how the British built their first settlement here in 1639. What amazes me is how the city holds on to its history with pride, while also racing ahead with IT parks, skyscrapers and buzzing cafés.

People sometimes ask me: Is Chennai modern or traditional? I smile, because it is both – it is the magic of listening to Carnatic music in December sabhas while booking a cab online to get there. It is sipping strong filter coffee in steel tumblers while working in one of Asia’s largest IT hubs. Chennai has learned to wear its tradition like a crown and its modernity like a comfortable jacket.

But what really makes Chennai special is its people. Chennaites may seem reserved at first glance, but wait until you ask for help – they will go out of their way to guide you. I have seen it countless times, especially during floods and cyclones. Strangers offering food, shelter and kindness to other strangers – that is the spirit of my city. Humble, grounded and full of quiet strength.

Food in Chennai is more than just eating; it is a love language. Mornings begin with the comforting smell of idlis steaming and the sharp aroma of filter coffee wafting through homes and streets alike. Crisp dosa with sambar, spicy podi idli and plates of pongal with chutney are more than meals – they are memories tied to family kitchens and small eateries.

Evenings are incomplete without sundal at Marina Beach, where you watch waves crash while munching on warm chickpeas seasoned with coconut and mustard seeds. And when I crave something indulgent, nothing beats fiery Chettinad chicken curry, soft parottas or a flavourful plate of biryani that only Chennai knows how to perfect.

Ask me about my favourite places in Chennai and I will not stop. There is Marina Beach, stretching endlessly, where mornings belong to joggers and evenings to families flying kites and munching on murukku. There is the soulful San Thome Basilica, standing gracefully by the sea and the bustling George Town, where the markets feel like a living museum.
Then there is December – the magical month when Chennai turns into the cultural capital of the world. Music, dance, art and food festivals take over and every auditorium hums with the sound of Carnatic ragas.

The beauty of Chennai is also in its neighbours. Just an hour’s drive and you are at Mahabalipuram, with its UNESCO temples carved out of rock. Head to Kanchipuram and you will find not just ancient temples but also the world’s finest silk sarees or take a trip to Pondicherry, where French charm meets Tamil soul. It is like living in many worlds at once, all within reach.

Chennai has taught me humility, resilience and warmth. It has shown me how a city can be deeply traditional yet boldly progressive. It has spoiled me with food, wrapped me in music and welcomed me with people who carry kindness in their hearts.

Every time I walk down Marina Beach at sunset, or sip a tumbler of hot filter coffee at a roadside stall, I realize that this city is not just where I belong – it is a part of me.
Chennai is not just my city. Chennai is my place, my pride and my forever story.

Tell us your story!s been mentioned in the Rigveda, Mahabharata and Ramayana. Over centuries, Varanasi flourished as a center of learning, spirituality and trade. Known as the “City of Temples”, it has been a sacred ground for saints, philosophers and poets like Tulsidas, Kabir and Ravidas. Scholars from across the world have visited Kashi to study Sanskrit, astrology, philosophy and classical arts.

Varanasi holds unparalleled religious significance. It is believed that taking a dip in the Ganga River washes away sins and that dying in Varanasi ensures liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and a major pilgrimage site. The city also holds importance for Buddhists, as Sarnath, located nearby, is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. For Jains too, it is sacred as the birthplace of Tirthankara Parshvanatha.

Varanasi is alive with festivals throughout the year, each celebrated with grandeur and devotion:
• Dev Deepawali: The ghats light up with millions of lamps, creating a breath-taking view of the riverbanks
• Maha Shivratri: A special occasion at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, with grand processions and night-long prayers
• Holi and Diwali: Celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm, where the entire city comes alive with color, music and lights
• Ganga Mahotsav: A cultural festival showcasing music, dance and traditions on the ghats of the Ganga

The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, with priests chanting mantras, conch shells blowing and lamps being waved in rhythmic patterns, is one of the most divine spectacles in India.

Varanasi is not just a religious city but also a cultural hub. It is the birthplace of Banarasi silk sarees, famed for their elegance and intricate weaving. The city is also home to classical music, particularly the Banaras Gharana, which has produced legendary artists like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Traditional crafts, paintings and woodwork thrive here, making it a city where art is interwoven with daily life.

Places to Visit in Varanasi
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple – The spiritual heart of the city
• Dashashwamedh Ghat & Assi Ghat – Famous for the evening Ganga Aarti and vibrant atmosphere
• Manikarnika Ghat – Known as one of the holiest cremation grounds
• Sarnath – A short drive away, where Buddha gave his first sermon
• Ramnagar Fort – A historical fort on the opposite bank of the Ganga, showcasing Mughal-style architecture
• Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum – Preserving centuries of art, sculptures and manuscripts

Varanasi is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s cuisine is a delightful mix of traditional flavours and street food:
• Kachori – Sabzi – A spicy breakfast favorite
• Chaat – Famous varieties like Tamatar Chaat and Dahi Chaat
• Banarasi Paan – A cultural symbol and a must-try delicacy
• Lassi in Kulhads – Thick, creamy and refreshing
• Malaiyyo (Makhan Malai) – A winter specialty, fluffy and sweet
• Banarasi Thali – A wholesome meal that captures the essence of the city

The Timeless Spirit of Varanasi
What makes Varanasi unique is its timelessness. The sound of temple bells, the chants along the ghats, the sight of devotees offering prayers at sunrise and the blend of spirituality with everyday life make it extraordinary. It is a city that invites one to slow down, reflect and connect with something eternal.
Varanasi is more than just a destination – it is an experience. It teaches us that life and death are part of a sacred journey and that peace can be found in simplicity, faith and devotion.

On visiting Varanasi, one does not just see a city – one feels its soul. It truly embodies the essence of “My City, My Place.”

By: Mr. T.R Rajaganesh Ramanan (Duty Supervisor – Chennai)

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