A performance was held during the valedictory of the Kamba Ramayanam Festival on Sunday in Mayiladuthurai.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Ram is the soul of our country. The Ramayana has a unique cultural, civilisational, and social connection across the length and breadth of India,” contended Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Union Ministry of Culture, at the valedictory event of the Kamba Ramayanam Festival at Kambarmedu in Mayiladuthurai district on Sunday.
Concluding the week-long celebration, Mr. Chawla said the Ramayana was deeply embedded in every aspect of Indian life — from classical literature and folklore to music, religion, and daily traditions. “Rama is our ideal and reflects the psyche of every Indian, regardless of their language, region, or social background,” he said.
Addressing the media, Mr. Chawla highlighted Kambarmedu as the birthplace of the 12th-century Tamil poet Kambar, who authored the Kamba Ramayanam during the height of Chola rule.
He said an experiential museum would soon be set up at Kambarmedu to preserve this heritage. The festival, which began with a recital at the Srirangam temple and was observed in 20 temples across the State, concludes on Ram Navami — a moment of pride, he said, urging collective efforts to safeguard cultural legacy.
Organised by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Tiruchi Circle, and the South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, the Kamba Ramayanam Festival ran from March 30 to April 6.
As part of the final day’s events, the foundation stone for an Open-Air Museum and AR/VR Centre was laid at the archaeological site by Mr. Chawla, in the presence of ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat.
Published – April 06, 2025 11:03 pm IST
