Vendors in upbeat mood as beaches fill up

CHENNAI : It is that time of year when Ramachandran, a retired seafarer who now runs a fried fish stall on Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar, smiles broadly as he runs around tending to his customers. The summer season, especially the kathiri veyil period, he says, is among his busiest times of the year. The unbearable heat and the holiday season come together to make Chennai’s beaches a favourite destination for the city’s residents.The numerous beaches that dot Chennai’s coast are favourite spots throughout the year, with the breeze and the economical outings they offer. But during the summer months they are nothing short of a rage. The sea breeze becomes divine air-conditioning for the thousands who plop themselves on the sands, especially in this age of power cuts.“Weekends are a busy time for us throughout the year except in the storm season. But summer is when we can barely breathe. The crowds are huge and we have to plan ahead to stock up enough of the fast-selling fish varieties before the effect of the fishing ban sets in,” says Ramachandran, whose entire family lends a hand at his stall.Pan-fried fish and fillets that he sells for `60 through the year, and `80 on weekends, shoot up to between `100 and `120 during the holiday season. “Many people visit their relatives in Chennai and they come from places like Madurai, Salem or Coimbatore. They are usually intent on trying seafood and don’t mind paying the price,” says Ramachandran.Ice cream vendors are an even busier lot. Sigappi, an ice cream seller on the Marina, was swamped by customers, much like her cousin Elumalai who runs an ice cream pushcart right next to hers. Five-rupee ice cream sticks that are usually sold at a premium of two rupees through the year now go for double the price.“We run out,” says Sigappi simply, as she borrows two orange delights from her cousin for a customer. “Sales are brisk. Elumalai usually goes around the streets with his cart. But he settles here in the evenings during the summer because business usually doubles at the very least.”They can all smile as long as the endless sea of visitors continues to make waves on the beach in summer.