Return to roots: Walkathon to help boost use of traditional TN attire, food

“As the concept of holding on to our culture has gone down, we are hoping that such an event will give the younger generation a boost to hold on to their tradition. Everything that was diligently followed in the past, have long been forgotten,” said S Indumathi, organiser of this event for Old Madras Foundation. 

From the different kinds of dance forms in the state and other art forms, to knowledge of traditional food, all have been lost, she said. 

“Traditional Tamil Nadu food like Kambu Koozh (left) are no longer considered as a delicacy. Food from the west is all that attracts the public now,” said Indumathi. 

Games like seven stones are also no longer practised. Gone are the days when children would gather in large numbers to play such games. Now, we see children busy with video games or are stuck to their phones, which is very depressing,” she added. 

The traditionalathon therefore seeks to bring back the idea of all that is traditional in all forms to encourage youngsters, and also the others who have forgotten their culture, to probably learn more about their roots. It will be held in various districts over the course of the next few months and in Besant Nagar in the city on April 29. 

“We have seen people holding various walkathons and got motivated to combine the two concepts,” said Indumathi. 

“We would prefer it if the participants wear the traditional attire like the veshti, pavada or saree. Also, food that will be served will be traditional,”  she added.