The three-day Kamban Festival, organised recently by the Madurai Kamban Kazhagam Trust to mark its seventh anniversary, showcased the versatility of poet Kamban to the new generation.
Tamil scholars and artistes highlighted the essence of Kambaramayanam in their play, music, dance and debate.
The festival began with a colourful procession of a six-foot portrait of Kamban, with Tamil scholars forming the vanguard. It was flagged off by S. M. Seenimohideen, Chief Executive Officer, Sethu Institute of Technology.
The three-day events were inaugurated by Padmalakshmi Seetharaman, who also distributed cash prizes to 29 students who had won in the Kamban competitions.
A book on Kamban was released by V. K. Sanjeevi, General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of the Vallal Sadayappar Award, carrying Rs 25, 000, to Tamil scholar SP. Annamalai by S. Seetharaman, patron of the trust.The second day's programme included a ‘vazhakkadu mandram' and depiction of Kambaramayanam scenes in ‘karagattam' by T. Somasundaram.
The Vallal Sadayappar Award was presented to Tamil scholar S.Sathiaseelan.
A unique poetic symposium on what the throne, bow and fire, which were witness to events unfolding in their presence in Kambaramayanam, would have spoken was the highlight of the final day's proceedings.
A dance drama, ‘Vaali Moksham,' was presented by Bala Nandakumar.
A trust for conducting ‘Bharati festival' in December every year was formed on the occasion with a donation of Rs one lakh from Solomon Pappiah, president of Madurai Kamban Kazhagam. R. Chockalingam, secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
A large number of people participated in the festival on all three days.
