The sacred city of Varanasi is adorned and ready to host a significant cultural confluence as the administration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham has finalized all arrangements for the grand welcome of delegates arriving for the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 4.0. This initiative aims to strengthen the age-old cultural and spiritual bonds between North and South India.
Grand Welcome and Spiritual Itinerary Finalized
According to Kashi Vishwanath Dham CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra, the delegates from Tamil Nadu will arrive in seven batches on December 2, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14. Each group will be received with traditional fervor at Gate 6 of the shrine, amidst the sacred sounds of damru (Lord Shiva's drum) and conch shells.
From the entry point, the visitors will proceed directly to the sanctum sanctorum of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform jalabhishek (ritual offering of water). Following the prayers, they will tour the temple courtyard and then explore the entire Dham precincts up to the Ganga Dwar. The spiritual journey at the ghats will culminate with the worship of Goddess Ganga.
An Eight-Day Cultural and Heritage Immersion
More than 1,400 representatives from Tamil Nadu are set to embark on an extensive eight-day experiential journey. This pilgrimage will cover the holy cities of Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. In Varanasi itself, the itinerary is rich with historical significance.
The delegates will visit key Tamil heritage sites in the city, including:
- The ancestral residence of Mahakavi Subramaniam Bharati.
- Kedar Ghat and the Kashi Madam in the "Laghu Tamil Nadu" area.
- The revered Mata Annapurna Temple.
Additionally, they will participate in academic and literary discussions at the Tamil department of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), fostering intellectual exchange.
Showcasing Tamil Culture on the Banks of the Ganga
Beyond the spiritual and heritage tours, the event will feature a vibrant showcase of Tamil culture. Authorities have set up special stalls at Namo Ghat where visitors can experience and learn about various aspects of Tamil heritage.
The exhibition will feature:
- Tamil literature and artifacts.
- Traditional handicrafts.
- Authentic Tamil cuisine.
- Various other cultural subjects.
A grand stage has also been constructed at the ghat for the main programs and cultural presentations. Every evening, this stage will come alive with performances by artists from both North and South India, symbolizing the unity in diversity that the Sangamam promotes. With all these meticulous preparations, Varanasi is poised to offer a memorable and enriching experience to its guests from the south, celebrating the timeless connection between Kashi and Tamilakam.
