Chandigarh Tamil Sangam Successfully Celebrates 56th Thai Pongal celebrations and Inaugurates “Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Centre”

Chandigarh Tamil Sangam Successfully Celebrates 56th Thai Pongal celebrations and Inaugurates “Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Centre” 

Chandigarh 18 January ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The Chandigarh Tamil Sangam (Regd.), in association with the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu, successfully organised the 56th Thai Pongal Celebrations along with the inauguration of the “Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Memorial Centre” on Sunday at Bharathi Bhawan, Sector-30B, Chandigarh. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Tamil community, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride. The programme commenced with traditional rituals marking Thai Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamils, symbolising gratitude to nature, farmers, cattle, and the Sun God for prosperity and abundance. 

The celebrations featured vibrant cultural performances highlighting Tamil heritage. Traditional musical instruments such as Nadaswaram, Thavil, Urumi, Thappu, and Pambai added grandeur to the occasion and captivated the audience with their rhythmic and ceremonial richness. A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the “Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Memorial Centre”, established in memory of Kalaignar Dr. M. Karunanidhi, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and a towering figure in Tamil literature, culture, and social reform. The memorial centre aims to promote the three dimensions of Tamil—Iyal (Literature), Isai (Music), and Nadagam (Drama)—and to serve as a platform for cultural and literary activities.

Another major attraction of the event was the traditional Tamil lunch, served on plaintain leaf (banaleaf) in accordance with age-old customs. Participants were treated to sixteen varieties of authentic Tamil dishes and Sugarcane of which were specially brought from Tamil Nadu, ensuring traditional taste and cultural authenticity. The festive meal, offering a wholesome and memorable culinary experience. Speaking on the occasion, the office bearers of the Sangam emphasised the importance of preserving Tamil language and culture, especially among younger generations living outside Tamil Nadu. The event reaffirmed the Sangam’s commitment to cultural integration, inclusiveness, and community service. The Chandigarh Tamil Sangam continues to play a vital role in promoting Tamil language, literature, and cultural traditions in North India through regular festivals, literary meets, cultural programmes, and social initiatives. The organisers expressed gratitude to the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu, participants, performers, volunteers, and the audience for making the event a grand success.