Chennaiites make ample use of the upcoming long weekend

Almost one of the first things that anyone does at the start of the New Year is to check the calendar and faithfully mark off the ‘long weekends’ that could serve as potential vacation breaks through the year. And for those who have been bitten by the travel bug, this routine is almost sacrosanct — the vacations simply have to be planned in advance.
Interestingly, the coming weekend — August 13, 14 and 15, is the perfect time to take a break.And for those who are blessed with negotiation skills, here’s the good news, you could actually take an extra two days off till August 18, which happens to be Raksha Bandhan, giving you a full five-day advantage.
Akriti M, who works in a private bank in the city, says, “I was saving up my leave for over six months, so that I could make use of this extended weekend to take a solid break from work. I have planned a solo trip to Yercaud for a week. It started off as a three-day trip plan, but then I came to know that August 18 was Raksha Bandhan and that we were off, I decided to extend it for a week. So technically, I will be taking leave only for three days.”
For artist Vinod Rajagopalan, this weekend seemed to be the perfect one to make an international trip. “I have been planning an international trip for weeks now, and I have finally booked tickets to go to Cambodia. This time was perfect, since not only did I get a great deal on the air fare, but it also reduced the number of days I took off from work, since there are two weekends and two holidays involved,” he says adding, “On Independence Day, I am planning to celebrate by having lunch at an Indian restaurant in Cambodia.”
Others like actress Sakshi Agarwal will be away from the city on a work-related trip. “Usually August 15 is the time when the whole family gets together because it is a day off, and we spend time together. Our building has a flag hoisting ceremony and other activities that I am an active part of. This year, however, I will be going to Bangalore to finalise on a few Kannada projects.”
Fashion entrepreneur Varsha Punjabi says that August 15 is not just another holiday for her. “In our family, we celebrate Independence Day, in full regalia. During my younger days, it was mandatory to attend a flag hoisting ceremony either at school, or in our apartment complex. Today, I carry forward that tradition with my daughter Mishi. If the day falls on an extended weekend, we go up to our holiday home in Yelagiri. The whole family gets together to listen to stories of pre-Independent India that my 80-year-old grandmother-in-law loves to narrate,” she says.
Prathap Premnath who heads a start up in the city, believes in keeping it simple. “I cannot even begin to fathom the kind of traffic that will be there on Friday evening, as everyone will be looking at getting out for the long weekend. At the same time, if I stay in the city, I will be compelled to make plans. So, this August 15, I’ve decided that I’ve done enough of exercising brain cells with a mega quiz with friends or go for a flag hoisting ceremony with strangers. So, I am going to relax with my family on ECR.”