'Chennai Sangamam' set to begin on Jan 10

Chennai, Jan 9: More than 1,500 artistes from Tamil Nadu and other states will take part in the 2008 Chennai Sangamam showcasing as many as 67 art forms starting tomorrow.

Explaining the salient features of the event which will be held coinciding with Pongal festivities, MP and 'Thiruvizha-Namma Theruvizha' K Kanimozhi told the press here today this year also the event would be held in partnership with Department of Tourism and Culture. Besides, traditional folk music and dance, the Chennai Sangamam would feature poets' meet, 'pattimandram,' literary discourses and debates under the 'Thamizh Sangamam' category, she added.

''The inaugural ceremony has been planned like last year's at the Indian Institute of Technology Open Air Theatre at Adyar,'' she said adding around 600 artistes would perform in the presence of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, who would formally inaugurate it.

Tourism Secretary V Irai Anbu said 'Culinary Tourism' will get special focus to popularise the delicacies of the state. According to the organisers, Chennai Sangamam was an attempt to showcase things that Chennai was all about.

Presented by Tamil Maiyam and the Department of Tourism and Culture of the Tamil Nadu Government, the event was an unique attempt to take the best of Chennai to its people.

UNI