Chennai (formerly known as Madras), is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the fourth largest metropolis in India. Modern Chennai grew out of a small fishing village called Madraspatnam, when the East India Company chose the location for a new settlement way back in 1639.

Pongal Pongal Thiruvizha celebrated in the middle of January finds large numbers of Tamillians converging on beaches in the city, giving it a festive look. Arapathu Moovar Vilzha, celebrated during March-April every year is the festival of the Kapaleeshwar Temple, Mylapore.The celebration pays obeisance to the 63 Nayanmars (shaivite saints) who devoted their lives, singing the praises of Lord Shiva and spreading the message of Shaivism. Devotees throng the temple during all the 10 days of festivity, which are spread over Tamil months of Maasi and Panguni. The Music Festival in the December-January period is celebrated by Tamillians around the world, as they congregate in Chennai to savour the fine arts. The Sabhas, or auditoriums, regarded as the guardians of traditional music, dance and all other art forms of the South, become active. All leading musicians, vocal or instrumental, perform and the upcoming artists long to perform in these Sabhas. Another attraction in this festival is the canteen, where a gamut of south Indian dishes is available. Here the critics analyse performances, while savouring local specialities like Idli sambar, Dosa, Sambar vada or Pongal.