The Golden Years of Marina Beach: A Triplicane Trio's Nostalgic Journey

Marina Beach, one of the most famous beaches in India, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Yet, for many who grew up in the vicinity, the memories of the 1980s and 1990s hold a special place in their hearts. In this article, we’ll take a nostalgic journey through the early golden years of Marina Beach, exploring its past glories and the local culture that revolved around this iconic place.

Historical Overview of Marina Beach in the 1980s and 1990s

During the mid-1980s and 1990s, Marina Beach had a very different feel from its current state. The beach was not as congested or clean as it is today, with certain areas serving as open-air toilets in the mornings. Prostitution was a public practice throughout the day, and by evening, the bajji shops and office goers would fill the streets. Despite these challenges, the beach still held a charm that drew visitors and locals alike.

My Early Encounters with Marina Beach

As a native of Triplicane, I was born just steps away from the beach, where the rhythmic sound of waves could be heard on silent nights. Marina became a daily ritual for me, and despite its visible challenges, it remained a scenic and peaceful haven. Growing up, the Marina was not that different from other parts of Chennai; it was as dirty, crowded, and congested as other areas then. However, the population of Chennai back then was significantly lower than it is today, a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis it has become now.

The Cultural Significance of Marina Beach

One of the unique features of Marina Beach during this period was the "Radio Beach" moniker, derived from the speakers set up by the Corporation to broadcast programs every evening. Additionally, a mobile Postal Office van would park on the inside road to transact business from dusk till around 8 PM. The milieu of artists, writers, and litterateurs also made the beach a hub of intellectual discourse and creativity.

Public Gatherings and Events

In the early 1970s, the then DMK government established a permanent stage named "Seerani Arangam" in the middle of Marina sands, where political and religious gatherings were common. The Christian mission embracing a festival called "Paerinba Peruvizha" also found a place amidst the beach crowds, with their lively hymns and renditions adding a unique cultural flavor to the area.

Local Economy and Infrastructure

The beach was not just a cultural melting pot but also a hub for commerce. Vendors selling snacks like sundal, murukku, and milagu vadai would line the shores, catering to beachgoers. The entrance to the beach featured vendors selling ground nut peanuts, salted grams, mango slices, and ice cream from brands like Rita and Magnolia. The District Council Library, adjacent to the beach, was a hotspot for readers, and an aquarium operated by the TN Fisheries Corporation was a regular destination for visitors.

A Personal Tale of Beach Life

My childhood experiences on Marina Beach were marked by a mix of joy and adventure. We’d often visit the beach during school holidays, playing a variety of sports like tennis and cricket. The lack of shoes made us run freely in the sands, while the annual school swimming lessons exposed us to the public pool at the Madras Corporation Compound. There, we experienced an amusing incident where all our swimming clothes were stolen, leaving us running back home in our undergarments.

The Film Industry and Beach Life

Marina Beach served as a popular backdrop for numerous Tamil films, making it a fascinating place for film enthusiasts. Filmmaking crews were known to shoot iconic scenes, such as the song sequence from the film Sumai Thaangi, which captured the essence of the beach in early evening light.

Conclusion

For over three decades, Marina Beach was a vibrant part of my life. The usual gatherings with friends and discussions about various topics under the sun created cherished memories, even as we enjoyed a unique blend of the beach’s natural and cultural offerings. Leaving Triplicane in 1986 only changed the beach I visited, not the love I had for them. Today, living near Besant Nagar beach, I still miss the companionship of my old friends and the invigorating camaraderie of the past.

References:
Stories passed down through the Triplicane Trio group and personal memories.