The historic city of Chennai is marking its 375th anniversary this year with week-long celebrations as part of Madras Day, that falls on August 22. The city will witness a host of events, competitions and exhibitions from August 17 to August 24, where citizens will join in to celebrate the spirit of the city.
One of the many unique activities being organised are heritage cycle rides by Chennai-based group Cycling Yogis. Since its inception in 2012, the group has brought together people who are passionate about cycling as well as have a keen interest in places of historic value.
As a part of this endeavour, the group has in the past, charted out heritage rides to places that have Chola, Pallava or colonial histories in and around Chennai in areas such as Royapuram, Anna Salai (Mount Road), Chepauk, Triplicane, Mylapore, Pulicat, Mahabalipuram etc during special occasions like Republic Day, World Heritage Day and the Madras Day.
“We have been a part of the Madras Week Celebrations since 2012. This year being the 375th Founding Day, the opening day ride on Sunday, August 17 will be to Perambur, which is the railway hub of Chennai. We also have a closing day ECR heritage ride planned on Sunday, August 24,” says Ramanujar Moulana, one of the organisers from Cycling Yogis.
The rides are about 10-15 kms long and will see a participation of 50-60 cyclists, says Moulana. There is no specific criteria prescribed and the riders include children, men and women from diverse backgrounds and age groups, he adds.
Other highlights include the participation of students from KRM Public School in the heritage ride to Perambur while senior cyclist Jahiram Janakiram will share his experience about cycling in the city between the years 1975-1990 during the talk arranged at Madras Square (Cafe- Art Gallery, Neelangarai) during the ECR heritage ride.
The rides help people connect with the glorious past of the city and also promotes cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice that helps the environment, says Moulana.
More details on the Madras Week events calendar here.
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