Madras Day is observed in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu every August 22 to commemorate the foundation of the administrative center originally known as Madras, now called Chennai. The city was founded on August 22, 1639, when Andrew Cogan and Francis Day of the East India Company purchased the village of Madraspatnam. The holiday was first celebrated in 1939 for the city's 300th anniversary, and the idea to commemorate this event annually emerged in 2004. Celebrations have grown significantly over the years, with the 357th anniversary in 2014 featuring over a hundred events, including exhibitions, lectures, and food festivals. Various institutions, such as the Chennai Heritage Foundation and the British Council, co-organize the events, which aim to highlight the city's rich history and heritage.