SAUDI ARABIA

Tamil Nadu Day features rich traditions and culture

February 12, 2018

Irfan Mohammed

Saudi Gazette

JEDDA
H — The Tamil Nadu and the North East states day held recently at Indian Consulate premises reflected the rich cultural tapestry and traditions of the Indian states. The event was part of the mission’s India@70 that showcases rich culture and progressive achievement of various Indian states in collaboration with Saudi Indian Business Network (SIBN).

Tamil Nadu, boasting a rich heritage, represents many traditional and cultural essences of other southern Indian states. Tamil Nadu Day, along with North East states, was the third in the series of states to showcase their mettle and they held an amazing show.

Indian Consul General Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh, who officially inaugurated the fest along with his wife Dr. Nazneen, was accompanied by consuls Mohammed Shahid Alam, Anand Kumar, Moin Akhtar. Prominent Indian community members from different states, besides from Tamil Nadu, were also present.

Sheikh and his family were given a traditional Tamil welcome of music and flowers. M. Siraj welcomed Sheikh and other consuls to the Tamil Nadu Day.

Speaking on this occasion, Sheikh highlighted the objectives of organizing various State Days as part of the Ministry’s State Facilitation Activities Abroad. “The Consulate will also continue to extend all possible assistance to Saudi nationals in connecting them with the concerned authorities in India to facilitate their investments in India as well as to the Indian businessmen/companies to facilitate their business in the Consular jurisdiction of this Consulate,” he said.

He also expressed his admiration for the Tamil community for their excellent contributions in social and cultural fields and appreciated the Tamil community for coordinating with the North-East community to organize the North East States Day alongside the Tamil Nadu Day.

The successful event brought out the rich Dravidian traditions starting from dhoti to dosa, needless to mention the flavor of Jallikattu to the heart of Red Sea bridal city.

The ambience of the consulate premises was beautifully designed and decorated. The entry to the venue was routed through Srivilliputhur temple (Tamil Nadu state logo), a mammoth Thiruvalluvar (a great poet in Tamil language) statue, Kutraalam waterfalls and portraits of People’s President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Jallikattu. A banner portraying North East States was also placed in the venue.

The technology had its place with a large LED screen above the stage facilitating the visitors with uninterrupted viewing of the program from any part of the consulate premises, without crowding and blocking the stage.

The program started off with the vibrant Mayil aattam (peacock dance), in which the participants metaphorically expressed the range of colors with their emotive depictions. The dance was choreographed by Mrs. Pushpa Suresh.

Mrs. Myhtili and Murali conducted the fancy dress program for the kids up to second standard and every participant had beautifully adorned themselves from the diverse fields of Tamil personality and enacted their role very well.

The Mizo/Cheraw/Bamboo dance by the students of IISJ was impressive. The Thang-Ta (sword and Spear dance) performed by the renowned artists led by Rajkumar Khogendra Singh and comprising Naorem Rajen Mangang, Thongam Biju Singh and Thounaojam Roshan Singh from Manipur was quite mesmerizing and exhilarating.

On the sidelines of the event, a photo gallery was organized to showcase the beautiful tourism destinations of all the Eight North East States and to promote India as an attractive tourism destination among Saudis and other nationals. A large number of Saudis and Indian visited the gallery and witnessed the beautiful sceneries. A banner portraying North East States was also placed in the venue.

It was followed by an excellent gramiya nadanam (village dance) by ladies and children. The dance, organized by Mrs. Mythili Murali and choreographed by Mrs. Reznie Srihari, gave a wonderful traditional dance performance, a mix of various dances, such as, Kummi aattam, Puli (tiger) aattam, Kavadi aattam, Karagattam and the scintillating Jallikattu.

The Kurathi aattam, yet another folk dance, was well performed by the girls under the guidance and choreography of Mrs. Pushpa Suresh.

Tamil Nadu has 32 districts and the dances from various districts were well executed by the boys under the guidance of Mrs. Raznie Srihari, a renowned Kuchipudi and folk dance teacher.

Sanghe Muzhanghu (blow the conch shell) — an exemplary nonstop of mixed dances — awakening of the Tamils, chaiya chaiya dance, Ooty Badaga tribal community dance, Silamabattam — an art of defense using bamboo sticks, followed by Kongu dance – movement of hands and legs that ended with popular Lungi dance. The program was designed and directed by Kovai Ganesh, who was well supported by the boys, girls and men and women.

The zeal and vigor exhibited by prominent Tamil community members Saher Pandian, Sajid Guru and Srinivas caught the crowds’ fancy. They exhibited skill and wizardry of wielding the canes and the art of defending oneself with them.

The choreographers and the sponsors were duly honored. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sherif.

The dresses, especially dhoti known as ‘vesthi’, of Tamil Nadu, known not only in India but also in many parts of the world especially in Eastern Asian countries, drew attention of attendees. In keeping with the rich tradition, most Tamilians and even some NRIs from other Indian states came to the event in their white ‘veshtis’.

Deputy Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam got into the spirit of the day by wearing the dhoti in perfect traditional manner, though he had worn it for the first time.

All food kiosks erected in the premises served only traditional Tamil cuisine in addition to filter coffee that is favorite beverage of Tamil people and considered a cultural icon.

Tamil Nadu boasts a rich folk culture across regions, being a state which developed its art of entertainment at an early age; it has range of popular folk dances that still thriving in its heart lands.

“We have showcased 8 different folk and traditional cultural shows during Tamil Day,” said M. Siraj.

Nurul Hassan, consul (commerce), gave a briefing about upcoming Indian states felicitation in the consulate. SIBN General Secretary Mir Gazanfar Zaki welcomed the audience.

The event formally started with recitation of Qirat by Umer Ahmed, with Tamil and English translations by Faheem and Farhana Md Rafi respectively. The Qirat recitation was followed by Tamil Thai Vaazhththu (greetings), Saudi and Indian national anthems.

Ibrahim Maraicar gave a brief insight of the Jeddah Tamil community activities and welcomed the gathering. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Corporation stall, set up to disseminate investment opportunities and tourism destinations, also attracted a goodly crowd.

The enthralled audience enjoyed each event, which was anchored and narrated by Parthibane and Mrs. Rabiyah Mohideen.


February 12, 2018
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