Chennai: 5th edition of ''Chennai Sangamam,'' which was embroiled in a controversy after CBI raided the office of the NGO 'Tamil Maiyam', which conceptualised the event, in connection with the 2G spectrum case, got off to a colourful started yesterday evening.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated the event, an annual festival, to showcase Tamil culture and traditions, at the Island grounds here in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, who played a key role in organising the annual event.
After the CBI raided the office of 'Tamil Maiyam', headed by Rev Fr Jegath Casper Raj for his close association with DMK leaders, including former Telecom minister A Raja and DMK Rajya Sabha MP and Mr Karunanidhi's Poetess daughter Kanimozhi last month, doubts arose whether the 'Sangamam' would be conducted this year.
''Vanam Vasapadum'', a spectacular dance drama with the participation of around 200 artistes and technicians, was the highlight of the inaugural event.
The show re-invented the Tamil ballad tradition in a contemporary grid, which infused the spirit and energy of the 'Isai Natakam'. The show drew its inspiration from poet Bharatidasan's works But it pitches its discourse and narration on the contemporary horror of honour killings. The narrative ended with a powerful mesage on the triumph of Love.
The festival also kick-starts the festive season of Pongal, the festival of harvest, in the city. The folk performers, who arrived in to the city from various parts of the state would stage performances at various parks in the city. The finale would be held on January 17 at Elliots beach.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated the event, an annual festival, to showcase Tamil culture and traditions, at the Island grounds here in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, who played a key role in organising the annual event.
After the CBI raided the office of 'Tamil Maiyam', headed by Rev Fr Jegath Casper Raj for his close association with DMK leaders, including former Telecom minister A Raja and DMK Rajya Sabha MP and Mr Karunanidhi's Poetess daughter Kanimozhi last month, doubts arose whether the 'Sangamam' would be conducted this year.
''Vanam Vasapadum'', a spectacular dance drama with the participation of around 200 artistes and technicians, was the highlight of the inaugural event.
The show re-invented the Tamil ballad tradition in a contemporary grid, which infused the spirit and energy of the 'Isai Natakam'. The show drew its inspiration from poet Bharatidasan's works But it pitches its discourse and narration on the contemporary horror of honour killings. The narrative ended with a powerful mesage on the triumph of Love.
The festival also kick-starts the festive season of Pongal, the festival of harvest, in the city. The folk performers, who arrived in to the city from various parts of the state would stage performances at various parks in the city. The finale would be held on January 17 at Elliots beach.
