Chennai (Madras) Local Customs

Few countries in the world have such an ancient and diverse culture as India's. Stretching back in an unbroken sweep over 5000 years, India's culture has been enriched by successive waves of migration which were absorbed into the Indian way of life.
It is this variety which is a special hallmark of India. Its physical, religious and racial variety is as immense as its linguistic diversity. Underneath this diversity lies the continuity of Indian civilization and social structure from the very earliest times until the present day.



Modern India presents a picture of unity in diversity to which history provides no parallel. Here is a catalogue of everything Indian. Indian religions, festivals, rituals, artifacts, monuments, costumes, music and dance, language and literature. Come and discover a little more of India's culture by selecting any of these topics

People are quite reserved in madras. avoid talking to ladies when they are unaccompanied. in temples, remove your shoes outside the outer sanctum itself. some temples require the men to remove their shirts. do not take photographs of the idols. this is a mark of disrespect. also, a lot of people speak english and are very helpful with directions. STRICTLY AVOUD DRINKING WATER FROM ANYWHERE EXCEPT TRUSTED BRANDS OF BOTTLED WATER. BISLERI OR AQUAFINA CAN BE TRUSTED.

Popularly regarded as the 'Gateway to the South', Chennai presents culture that is distinctly different from that of northern India. Music, dance and all other art forms of the South are cherished and nurtured in this city which, though industrialized, continues to be traditional and conventional in many ways.
Chennai is a city where the traditional and the modern blend in life everywhere. From traditional vegetarian fair to fast foods, from nine-yard sarees to the latest in fashion, from ancient temple architecture to modern high-rise - with Indo-Saracenic and Victorian as stops along the way - from classical music and dance to discos throbbing to heady beats, Chennai has them all and many more vivid contrasts that are a pleasant surprise .....

snacking

Been there for a centenary celebration of birth of the first Spiritual Master of Sahaj Marg