An Appreciable Effort

I have been to three events of Chennai Sangamam till now. Probably would try to go some more on the coming days too. It has been a new experience. The faces of chennai and culture of the 'City of Charms' have been a new experience to one and all.
The Chennai Sangamam is a unified effort by the Department of Tourism & Culture and The Tamil Maiyam. Contrary to what I initially believed, the show has an amazing veriety of the city of Chennai rather than Tamil Nadu. The everyday common man is exposed to different forays of the Citys' culture and also that of the rural Tamil Nadu. Whats on the table to be offered ranges from the street plays to Orchestrated Dances, Folk arts to Modern Art, Carnatic Music to Rock Music too!!! Its truly a varied experience to be here in this time of the year.

Excerpts from the official site:
"Chennai Sangamam would be spread over six days (from February 20 to 26) with the performance of 700 folk songs and 37 art forms.....In keeping with city's cosmopolitan nature, Chennai Sangamam would also include Kerala's Chenda Melam, Andhra's folk drummers and art forms like Bangra and Tandia.....The folk performances of Chennai Sangamam would happen in 60 schools, 20 colleges, important landmarks like city centre, spencers, corporate hubs, railway stations, bus terminals, markets, temple streets, church premises etc......Chennai Sangamam is planned as an annual feature that would become part of Pongal celebrations(Jan 2nd-3rd Week) from next year, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world.....Chennai Sangamam is all about Chennai and the best of it. The city known for its tolerance, spirit and willingness to experiment deserves to be celebrated."

Am sure everyone who had been to the various shows would agree with my thoughts. Its truly a commendable effort. Hope the drive continues past the obvious change in Govt. The initiative will need to go on year after year to make this event draw in crowds across national and international boundaries. Its an amazing start. We need to see how it continues the next year, or if it does.

Photo Gallery of the events in Chennai Sangamam.