For Esaki Muthu, a 52-year-old bank employee from Chennai, the physical journey back from Varanasi is complete, but his mind remains captivated by the spiritual aura of the Ganga's banks. The memories of resonant boatmen calls and the glittering evening aarti lamps continue to hold his thoughts, following his participation in the significant Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0 at Namo Ghat.
A Home Away From Home in the Spiritual Capital
"I could spend days simply sitting on the ghats. While Kashi itself was not unfamiliar to me, this was my inaugural experience at the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Despite being far from my home in Tamil Nadu, I felt an incredible sense of belonging," Muthu shared, reflecting on his profound connection to the city. This sentiment of familiarity was likely amplified by the presence of nearly 2,500 fellow Tamils at the event, which was held throughout December 2025.
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a flagship initiative of the Union Ministry of Education, with academic execution led by IIT Madras and Benaras Hindu University (BHU). Its core mission is to rediscover and celebrate the ancient civilisational threads that bind Varanasi and Tamil Nadu. Divisional Commissioner S. Ramalingam noted a remarkable surge in participation, stating, "The footfall was double what we witnessed in the first edition."
Unveiling the Deep-Rooted Historical and Cultural Ties
The official delegation comprised around 1,400 delegates from diverse backgrounds—students, teachers, farmers, artisans, writers, and spiritual scholars—who engaged in daily programs. Additionally, over 1,000 individuals travelled independently from various districts of Tamil Nadu to be part of the confluence.
This overwhelming response is a testament to the enduring identification Tamils have with Kashi, as explained by R. Chandrasekaran, Director of the Central Institute of Classical Tamil. "That response shows how strongly Tamils continue to identify with Kashi," he affirmed. The connection is not merely spiritual but also architectural and literary. Chandrasekaran highlighted that there are 452 Kashi Vishwanatha temples spread across Tamil Nadu.
He further elaborated on the literary references, noting, "You will find mention of the word Kashi in ancient Tamil epics like 'Manimekalai'. The revered modern Tamil poet, Subramaniya Bharati, lived in Kashi during his youth at his aunt's house named 'Sivamath'. He fondly recalled this period in his writings, including the short story 'Aril Oru Panku'. KTS effectively brings this immense historical connection to the forefront."
The Tamil Heartland in Kashi: The Sigra Satram
Adding a tangible layer to this cultural bridge is the Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagara Satram in Sigra. This 19th-century rest house, established in 1863 and managed by the Chettiar community, serves as a home-away-from-home for countless Tamil visitors. With its distinctive pink walls, checkerboard floors, and a cosy central courtyard, the satram instantly transports guests to the aesthetic of the Tamil heartland.
Lena Narayanan, President of the satram, mentioned that they keep boarding costs minimal to facilitate pilgrims and visitors. "South Indian vegetarian tiffins and meals are provided to the guests at just ₹70," she said, ensuring affordability and cultural comfort.
As Union Minister of State for Education, Sukanta Majumdar, eloquently summarized, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam signifies an "unbroken cultural circuit." He drew a parallel between the two spiritual poles: "Kashi bows at the feet of Baba Vishwanath, while Tamil Nadu carries forward the same tradition of devotion from Rameswaram." For participants like Esaki Muthu, this circuit is no longer just a historical concept but a lived, heartfelt experience that continues to resonate long after the journey ends.
