CHENNAI: With a parai performance, Chief Minister MK Stalin ushered in this year's 'Chennai Sangamam: Namma Ooru Thiruvizha' here on Wednesday.
During the inauguration, he also handed over documents granting a 60-year lease to the Samar Parai Isai troupe for land located at Valayankulam village in Madurai district. The troupe is led by renowned parai exponent and Padma awardee Velu Aasaan.
The 19th edition of the vibrant, four-day event held annually during 'Thai' month coincides with Pongal, and was inaugurated on Wednesday in the presence of DMK MP Kanimozhi and ministers. Considered to be an amalgam of Tamil Nadu's rich folk arts, the Chennai Sangamam is one of the most eagerly awaited State-sponsored festivals for denizens.
CM Stalin enthralled the audience and his ministers by playing the parai. The event then featured performances including koothu, folk songs and music, Bharatanatyam, and concluded with western dance performances.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi for organising the event and said, "The Dravidian model government would continue to achieve greater milestones in the fields of art and culture."
Addressing the event, Kanimozhi thanked the Chief Minister for declaring Chennai Sangamam a government-sponsored programme. Ministers Thangam Thennarasu, MP Saminathan, Ma Subramanian, PK Sekarbabu, and TRB Rajaa also participated in the event.
The festival is scheduled to begin today (January 15) and will feature performances by folk artistes from various parts of TN and other states at 20 locations across Chennai, including Avadi and Tambaram, from 6-9 pm daily, including parks and public spaces, until January 18 (Sunday). Around 1,500 artistes are expected this year.
Organised by the Tourism and Culture Department under MP Kanimozhi's initiative since 2007 and revived post-2022, the festival promotes Tamil arts with statewide replications directed by CM Stalin.
This edition builds on prior years, like 2025 at Kilpauk's Ekambaranathar grounds, reinforcing Tamil Nadu's commitment to folk arts amid Pongal festivities.
Valluvarkottam, Semmozhi Park, Music College (RAPuram, RajaRathinam Stadium- Egmore, Museum Complex - Egmore, Kolathur, Royapuram, Marina beach, Elliots beach - Besant Nagar, Tiruvanmiyur Beach, Kathipara Junction - Guindy, Jaffarkhanpet, T-Nagar, Valluvar Gurukulam School - Tambaram, Cantonment Park- Pallavaram, Ordinance clothing factory complex - Avadi, Koyambedu, Valasaravakkam, Ashok Nagar, Anna Nagar.