We Chennaiites are proud of our culture. We cherish it. We have not converted events like Dandia and Garbha into showbiz events. Our temple Utsavams are much larger events. When you live in a city follow the rules otherwise get out. Nobody is begging you to stay. If you are comfortable in places which encourage such acts you are free to go there. I am in North India presently and every day there is a report of rape and molestation. Recently a friend told me about a survey which has found that there is an increase cases of abortions amongst teenagers after Dandia! though I am not sure about that report. I am not claiming that Chennai is free from rape , abortions and Aids, but I am sure it is much less. This is because of the strong values which we still adhere. Can a woman walk in the streets of any other metro alone wearing her jewels without any fear? In Chennai she can. Of course people would complain that women wearing jewels is not modern and liberated women should discard everything jewels, mangalsutra and .... If that is the sign of upliftment of women then sorry we chenaiites are not for that. People can look elsewhere. Leave us alone.
