NEW DELHI: The culture ministry is set to embark on a comprehensive initiative to preserve and promote the 'Kamba Ramayana', one of the most significant works in Tamil literature.
It has planned a week-long immersive festival to be held at KambarMedu, the birthplace of Kambar in Theraazhundur.
This festival will feature continuous recitals of the 'Kamba Ramayana', dance dramas, and scholarly discussions on the cultural and literary significance of the epic.
"The aim is to sustain and disseminate the 'Kamba Ramayana' by reviving its performance, education, and engagement through the creation of an integrated festival and educational initiative," said ministry officials.
"This proposal not only seeks to preserve Tamil cultural heritage but also ensures its transmission to future generations. The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, is launching a comprehensive initiative aimed at reviving the oral tradition of 'Kamba Ramayana' recitals and its broader cultural impact," added officials.
The ceremony will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on March 18.
The programme is being held in coordination with the Tamil Nadu Government. This will be followed by performances at several temples across Tamil Nadu, including locations in Kumbakonam, Chengalpattu, Ramanathapuram, Chennai, Thanjavur and others.
The inaugural event of this ambitious program will take place at the historic Sreerangam Temple, Trichy, with participation from Kamba Ramayana Mandali (cultural troupes) from across Tamil Nadu.
These local cultural troupes will perform traditional recitals of the epic, showcasing their unique chanting techniques.
This initiative will include a series of performances, workshops, symposia, and educational competitions to ensure that future generations can connect with and appreciate the 'epic text' that has long been integral to Tamil heritage.