CHENNAI: A host of traditional dance forms are set to enthral Chennaiites during the week-long Chennai Sangamam festival, which begins on January 10.
Traditional dance forms include Chaparakattu, Bomalaattam, Villupattu, Drama, Kaniyan Koothu, Paavaikoothu, Therukoothu, Vedamtharitha Attam, Vaankombu, Uriadi, Udukai, Thudumbaattam, Thodargal, Thevar Attam, Thenaga Kalai Panpadu, Tharai Thappatai, Snake Dance, Singara Chendai, Silambatam, Sevai Attam, Raja Rani Attam, Puthugai Poobalam, Porrparai, Poikal Kuthirai, Periya Melam, Padukasi Attam, Oyil Attam, Oyil, Oppari song, Naiyandi Melam, Mayilattam, Mada Attam, Servai Attam, Kuravan Kurathi Attam, Kummi Attam, Kondath Attam, Kombu Isai, Komali Koothu, Kolaattam, Puli Attam, Kokili Kattai, Kavadi Attam, Vilangu, Kattai Kuzhal, Parai Attam, Kathamba Nigalvu, Kilavan Kilavi Attam, Karakam, Kalli Attam, Kaliyal Attam, Singara Chendai (women), Kalari Payattu, Kai Silambattam, Kadavumathattam, Jimla Melam, Jikattam, Periya Karakam, Gana Song, Chettiyar Bommai, Chendai Melam, Chavu Melam, Chakai Kuchi Attam and Azhi Attam.
This year, the venue for Chennai Sangamam festival would be Nageswara Rao Park, Natesan Park, Contonement Ground, Pallavaram, GST Road, Pallavaram, Trustpuram Chennai Corporation Ground, Kodambakkam, Island Grounds, Lady Wellington College Grounds, Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar, Venkat Narayana Road, T Nagar, Tower Park, Anna Nagar, Sivan Park, Anna Park — Royapuram,Valarsarvakkam, Ashok Nagar Park, ECR Road — University of Madras Staff Colony, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar Corporation Ground, Nungambakkam Independence Day Park, Shenoy Nagar and Thiru Vi Ka Park.
Responding to a question, Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi, coordinator of the festival, said the estimated expenditure for the event was Rs 3 crore and Tamil Maiyyam was trying to get sponsorship from corporate houses. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Department contribute around Rs 20 lakh.
She said over 40 short films were received this year and efforts would be made to increase the number of programmes in North Chennai. As part of the event, a food festival would be held in which traditional food items from across the State would be available. Five star hotels would take part.