Information Madness

The Chennai Sangamam 2011, India’s most popular, biggest and indigenous City-wide Festival was born from a simple talk between Kanimozhi, Fr.Jegath and Gaspar Raj during September 2006. Kanimozhi Fr.Jegath is a Member of Parliament and Gaspar Raj is a member of Tamil Maiyyam, a nonprofit trust in Chennai which promotes art and culture.

The first Chennai Sangamam was started in February 21, 2008 by the duo. It was a unique mix of art, dance, folk-music, food and culture. It reflected the socio-cultural views of citizen of Tamil Nadu along with the cosmopolitan views. It was a very big hit with the people.

Now, the 5th Chennai Sangamam is being held during January 12 and 17, 2011. It will be inaugurated by M.Karunanidhi, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Island Grounds, on January 12, 2010 Chennai. It is organized by Tamil Maiyam with the help of Government of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Tourism and Culture.

This festival is a great opportunity for the urbanized citizen’s of Tamil nadu to reconnect with the forgotten memories of their rural past. This festival brings the art closer to people and also give the young a taste of the folk songs and rural culture. This festival is held in open areas like parks, streets and beaches as opposed to other festivals that held in auditoriums and closed halls. This was inspired by the festival of Bangaluru Habba.

The major attraction of Chennai Sangamam is the the food festivals which was first launched at the 2nd Chennai Sangamam in 2008. This was an instant hit with the participation by Chef. Sounderrajan of South India Culinary Association and Mahadevan, Chairman of Oriental Cuisines Pvt.Ltd

The festival also enriched Tamil nadu’s classical carnatic musics. This festival features live classical music shows from the top carnatic classical singers

IDEALS OF CHENNAI SANGAMAM

1.An inclusive city festival that belongs to all people

2.To strengthen and nurture the bonds of community

3.Protect, revive and promote endangered art forms, mostly folk which are intangible heritage, cultural assets

4.To bring performing arts and artists closer to the community

5.To provide a common platform for varied art forms

6.Cross cultural dialogue through art & culture focused international tourism promotion