A month-long KASHI-TAMIL, SANGAM IN KASHI from November 16 to December 19, 2022, is to be inaugurated by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi on 19th Nov in Varanasi.

OBJECTIVE :

To rediscover, reaffirm and celebrate the age-old links between the Tamil culture and Kashi that have existed for centuries. During these academic exchanges – seminars, discussions etc. will be held between experts/ scholars on various facets of the two ancient manifestations of Indian Culture, with a focus on bringing out the links and shared values between the two, in the fields of spiritual / Arts / Cultures / Music & Dance / Science / Languages & Literatures / Ayurveda & Yoga.

The broader objective is to bring the two knowledge and cultural traditions closer, create an understanding of our shared heritage and deepen the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat” will create a bridge between ancient India and the contemporary generation. Kashi Sangamam will rediscover the link between these two ancient centers of knowledge, culture and heritage.

MODUS OPERANDI :

To ensure that the benefit of these discussions reaches the actual practitioners of these knowledge streams, it was proposed that in addition to experts, common practitioners from various groups from different parts of Tamil Nadu, can be brought for an 8-day visit to Varanasi and its neighboring areas.

Tentatively, 12 such groups have been identified including 1 – students 2 – teachers 3 – literary (authors, poets, publishers) 4 – cultural experts 5 -professionals (practicing arts, music, dance, drama, folk art, yoga, Ayurveda) 6 – entrepreneurs, (SMEs, start-ups) 7 – business people, (community business groups, hoteliers ) 8 – artisans, 9 – heritage related experts (archaeologists, tour guides, bloggers etc.) 10 – spiritual 11 – rural, 12 – sampradaya organizations.

It is proposed that around 210 people from different parts of Tamil Nadu can be taken in one group for a period of 8 days. 12 such groups, comprising around 2500 people can visit over a month.

KASI VISHWANATHAR TEMPLE IN TAMILNADU

Tenkasi is famous for its Courtallam Water Falls and  Kasi Viswanathar Temple  which is believed to be built by a Pandyan King, King Arikeari Parakrama after Lord Viswanatha appeared in his dream and instructed him to do so.

Tenkasi is called the Kasi of the South

Kasi Vishwanathar Temple is one of the major attractions of the city where the presiding deity is Lord Kasi Vishwantha, one of the many forms of Lord Shiva. This giant idol is visible to devotees even from a distance of one kilometer. People in this city celebrate a variety of festivals with great enthusiasm and excitement. Some of the famous festivals celebrated here are Pongal, Ganesh Chaturthi, Tamilian New Year and Utsavam. Pongal, held in mid-January, is the festival where a sweet dish of rice called Sakkarai is eaten and offered to the God of Sun. Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in August or September, is the festival where idols of Lord Ganesha are worshipped. Tamilian New Year is celebrated in April, and Utsavam, celebrated in February or March.

KASHI VISHWANATHA TEMPLE IN VARANASI,UTTAR PRADESH

According to Atharva Veda ( Vol. 22.4 ) Kashi means CONCENTRATION OF COSMIC LIGHT because of its specific & unique latitude & longitude position, 25.3176° N, 82.9739° E, average height from sea level is 77m ( 72 m in south / Assi-ghat & 83 m in North / Raj-Ghats forming crescent shape along with 84 Ghats ) a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in newly developed Kashi-Vishwanath corridor at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh in India. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest of Shiva temples.