Foreign tourists get grand welcome at Big Temple on World Tourism Day

As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, the Department of Tourism of the state government organised a grand welcome for visitors from abroad at the entrance of the Big Temple 11th Century edifice and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nearly, 20 foreign tourists from USA and France were given a traditional welcome with sandal paste and kumkum on their forehead.

They were presented with sandal garlands, a unique product of Thanjavur. Various cultural events were organised to mark the event. A folk dance was performed by the Shivaji Rao troupe of Thanjavur. Tourists also joined and danced when Karagattam, Mayilattam and Oyilattam were performed. 

Tourists from USA said that they were happy to participate in the colourful folk dances at the historical site and it would be a memorable trip for them. 

K Elangovan, District Tourist officer, Madhavan, executive officer of the temple and S Muthukumar of the Thanjavur Tourism promotion council were among those who accorded welcome to the foreign tourists.