Diwali Shopping Pilgrimage: From Tambaram to Chennai's #Tnagar – A Local's Tale.
(Place a beautiful image of the bustling T. Nagar Deepavali crowd here)
(Note: I will use a placeholder image for the visual element, which you can replace with your preferred graphic or photograph)
Though I live within the limits of Tambaram Corporation, the true festive satisfaction of Diwali shopping is only achieved by visiting Chennai's #Tnagar, the 'Fire City' of fashion. While capturing what we see and feel o
n video would present the finished visuals, writing about it allows every reader to conjure their own scenes based on their imagination.
The Electric Commute: Tambaram to Mambalam
I parked my vehicle at Tambaram Railway Station and bought a local train ticket for Mambalam to head to T. Nagar. As I ascended the steps, the sight of a child climbing, holding the hands of both mother and father, was a beautiful start—the beginning itself was glorious.
I checked which platform the next train to Chennai Beach would depart from. Seeing a train ready to leave, I knew my time for running to catch it was long gone, so I slowly descended, preparing for the next one, amused by those who still sprinted. When my train finally arrived, a man asked me, "Sir, will this train go to T. Nagar? I'm new to the city." "Yes, it will," I replied. I smiled, thinking of how many new faces #Chennai welcomes every single day ❤️. The train pulled out of Tambaram.
The Mid-Journey Social Study
Past Tambaram Sanatorium (a mini T. Nagar in itself), a considerable crowd disembarked at Chromepet. Yes, Chromepet is now T. Nagar's competitor, with most of the major stores having opened branches here. After Chromepet, the number of people only increased at the subsequent stations.
However, there is one great advantage to this rail travel: we reach our destination quickly, which is a blessing, as the GST Road sees heavy traffic during Diwali. The train was packed. In the general compartment, men and women silently gave space to each other. Interestingly, though the ladies' compartment was slightly less crowded, the passengers argued over space, reminding me slightly of an assembly session!
We finally arrived at Mambalam station. I noticed the change allowing passengers to alight on both sides of the platform.
Mambalam: A Cross-Section of Society
Stepping off the train, I overheard a mother exclaim, "So much crowd!" She started walking straight ahead, but her son stopped her, asking, "Where are you going?" She innocently replied, "Everyone is going that way!" The 90's Kid son laughed, "If everyone goes forward, we shouldn't follow the crowd," as he gently guided her hand.
The 60's Kid man, frowning at the crowd, complaining to his wife.
The 70's Kid woman, arguing a point with her husband.
The 80's Kid man, simply nodding to everything his wife said.
The 2k Kids, declaring, "You listen to me; I won't listen to you."
The entire spectrum of society, the growth and change of generations, could be witnessed in this one location. I took off my headphones, put away my mobile, and chose to fully immerse myself in and experience the moment.
The Heart of Shopping: Ranganathan Street
Ranganathan Street is familiar to many, especially Chennai residents. You can buy everything needed for home, weddings, and every other occasion here. The crowd was heavier than usual. The police had set up temporary watchtowers and were monitoring everyone. Though the police broadcasted warnings in the crisp voice of Nirmala Periyasamy (famous for her Sun TV news voice), the image of her face and her signature 'Vanakkam' flashed in my mind.
I imagined the late Saravana Stores owner, Selvarathinam Annachi, standing there (a framed photo perhaps), smiling and watching the customers arrive at his shop.
I finally walked past the street towards Panagal Park. Traditional stores like Nalli Silks, Kumaran Stores, and RmKV stood proudly, reaffirming their timeless presence. As I passed Prince Jewellery, the mesmerizing radio jingle from the past, "Prince Jewellery, Panagal Park Madras," echoed in my ears.
I visited Pothys, Chennai Silks, and Pachaiappas Silks, taking a coffee break now and then to keep my energy up. Floating along with the sea of people, I bought a cup ice to enjoy. I said goodbye to Mambalam, promising myself, "Next year, I'll be back." A wonderful experience indeed.
Happy Diwali!
#HappyDipawali #Chennai #Tnagar #Mambalam #Deepavali
