Video: Chennai Sangamam kickstarts as Pongal begins in TN- visuals from city’s biggest cultural fest – Times Now

As many as 1000 artists from various parts of the state will perform over 40 art forms at the festival that will be held at 18 locations across Chennai till January 17.

Also called ‘Namma Ooru Thiruvizha’ (‘Our town’s festival’), the Sangamam will have art and literature events, dance and musical performances, food fests with traditional cuisine, folk games, handicraft and flower exhibitions.

Here are some of the visuals from the first day of Chennai Sangamam

Inaugural venue of Chennai Sangamam before starting a musical event.

A Karakattam performance by Thenmozhi Rajendran.

Kavadiyattam performance by artist Surjeet.

A dance performance after the inaugural ceremony.

Renowned singer and composer Santhosh Narayanan performing.

A musical performance.

Kalaimamani Muthulakshmi performing Villuppattu.

Another traditional art form on stage.

Livestreaming of the inaguration event.

Chief Minister MK Stalin and other dignitaries enjoying the performances.

The event is being organised by Tamil Nadu state tourism department and Greater Chennai Corporation and DMK MP Kanimozhi coordinates it.

The venues include Mursoli Maran Park in Perambur, Robinson Ground in Royapuram, Semmozhi Poonga, Tower Park in Anna Nagar, Elliot’s Beach, Thiruvanmiyur Beach Road and Natesan Park among others. The event is open to all and there will be no entry fee.

Chennai Sangamam was first launched by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in 2007. It gained immense popularity and became the biggest event in the city. But when the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) came to power, the event was discontinued in 2012.

Though the Sangamam was organised in 2021, it was a low-key event due to the covid restrictions. This year, huge participation is expected.