Long weekend: Chennai’s recreational spots see huge rush

With the onset of the Independence Day long weekend, Marina and Besant Nagar beaches witnessed a huge rush of visitors on Friday evening. Families, youngsters, and tourists flocked to popular recreational spots in and around the city, turning them into buzzing hubs of activity.

Stalls selling snacks, ice creams, and street food reported brisk sales as people thronged the shorelines. Police and corporation staff were deployed in large numbers to regulate traffic and ensure crowd management at the beaches.

Speaking about the rush, a senior police officer said, “We anticipated heavy footfall due to the extended holiday weekend and have stationed additional personnel for safety and traffic control. Visitors are being advised not to venture into deep waters.”

Many families welcomed the holiday mood, taking advantage of the break to spend time outdoors. “After a long time, we are enjoying a stress-free evening with the kids. The atmosphere is festive, and the beach feels alive,” said S. Prakash, a visitor from T. Nagar.

Shopkeepers too were upbeat about the surge. “Independence Day weekend is always special, but this year the crowd seems even larger. It’s a big boost for our sales,” said Meena, who runs a food stall at Marina Beach.

Apart from beaches, city parks, malls, and entertainment centers also saw a steady stream of visitors, with many planning extended outings over the three-day break.