Chennai Sangamam - 2009

Chennai Sangamam is a week long cultural programme centered around the art forms that reflect socio-cultural experiences of the people of Tamil Nadu. It is the brain child of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr M.Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi MP and Fr. Jegath Gaspar Raj. It is a festival which is held at public places across Chennai city.

The festival was widely accepted by Chennaiites and the response was over-whelming. The cultural programmes brought the memories of villages to the city population. The younger generation was thrilled by the rhythms and intensity of the presentation.

The idea to have it in open parks was an inspiration from Bangaluru Habba Celebrations.

The Department of Tourism & Culture - Government of Tamil Nadu and Media has played a key role in popularising the event. The calf-head logo of Chennai Sangamam was the creation of artist Maruthu.

The Food Festival was added to the second edition of Chennai Sangamam in 2008 which enhanced the popularity of the event itself. Mr.Mahadevan, Chairman, Oriental Cuisines Pvt.Ltd and the South India Culinary Association was the brain behind this event.

The week long programmes include Chaparakattu, Bommalaattam, Villpattu, Drama, Kaniyan Koothu, Paavaikoothu, Therukoothu, Vedamtharitha Attam, Maankombu, Uriadi, Udukai, Thudumbattam, Thodargal, Thevar Attam, Tharai Thappatai, Snake Dance, Singura Chendai, Silambatam, Servai Attam, Raja Rani Attam, Porrpari, Poikal Kuthirai, Periya Melam, Padukasi Attam, Oyil Attam, Oppari Song, Naiyandi Melam, Mayilattam, Madattam, Kuravan Kurathi Attam, Kumni Attam, Kondathattam, Kombu Isai, Komali Koothu, Kolaattam, Puli Attam, Kokili Kattai, Kavadi Attam, Vilangu, Kattai Kuzhal, Parai Attam, Kilavan Kilavi Attam, Karakam, Kalli Attam, Kaliyal Attam, Singara Chendai(woman), Kalari Fight, Kai Silambattam, Kadavumathattam, Jimla Melam, Jikattam, Periya Karakam, Gana Song, Chettiyar Bommai, Chendai Melam, Chakai Kuchi Attam, Azhi Attam.

Chennai Sangamam 2009 opened grandly on January 10 and goes on till January 16. The programmes are being conducted at 17 venues. The programmes include cultural programmes, food festival, flower show and fruits show.

The Food Festival includes exquisite native cuisines of kongunad & Chettinad. Recreating ancient Tamil cuisines as well as the cuisine of Raja Serfoji of Tanjore and the Iruttu Kadai Halwa, Manaparai Murukku, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Virudunagar paratta and Dindigul venu Biriyani.