A procession carrying `kavadi' makes its way through Chennai streets to the Murugan Temple at Vadapalani, Chennai. In the background can be seen the traffic as office goers head home at the end of the day. The traditional and the modern -- a nice mix I like about Chennai. 

The Kavadi procession makes its way to the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai. 

At the Vadapalani Murugan Temple, Chennai.  

Watching 

Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane.

Repeating an old topic. Posted a few pics of the Parthasarathy Temple festival celebrated earlier this year. The temple chariot is being taken out and the kids follow with their models, as is the practise here. (See related pics and caption in May 2005 folder.)

Back to a familiar topic - the Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane. The temple chariot is the high point of most festivals.  

A mini procession about to begin. 

The kids with their own chariot. 

Soaring 

Stamp of Chennai - 6

Stamp of Chennai - 6 and a related issue - the Vivekananda Rock:
The Ice House, now more popularly known as the Vivekananda House on the Marina, Chennai.
An extract from the website of Sri Ramakrishna Math (check out their site for more interesting details of this 160-year-old structure.):
"Castle Kernan acquired historical and cultural value after Swami Vivekananda's stay there. Swami Vivekananda came to Tamil Nadu twice: first as an unknown wandering monk (December 1892 to April 1893) and then as the famous Swami Vivekananda, after his appearance at the Chicago Parliament of Religions and successful preaching work in the West. In a very real sense, it was Chennai that first 'recognized' Swamiji's power and potential, and it was the young men of this city that took a leading part in sending Swamiji to the West."
 

A stamp to mark the centenary of Swami Vivekananda. This stamp was released in 1963. 

A commemorative stamp of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial released by India Post in 1996. A pic below gives a similar view of this memorial.  

The memorial on the Vivekananda rock. Constructed in 1970 to mark the visit of Swami Vivekananda to this island nearly a century earlier. 

To mark the southern tip of India a compass pointing North towards the rest of India.
Take a look at September 2005 folder in archives for some black and white pics of this place. 

The steps leading up to the Vivekananda Memorial. 

Ponvandu

A Jewel Beetle takes off.
This shiny beetle certainly brought back some memories. The beetles made great pets. In the 1960s and 70s it was quite common for kids to carry one around in a match box - the ponvandu (golden beetle) would lie snuggled on a bedding of fresh leaves. Very portable and a great diversion during school hours. But it could not have been very comfortable for the insect. Their only hope of release was if the owner's parents found out. Nowadays these beetles do not seem to be so common, at least not in the city.