Three dimensional models depicting the quintessential culture and history of Madurai installed in three different places in the city were unveiled on Monday, as a prelude to ‘Maamadurai Potruvom’ (Celebrate Madurai), an annual festival to be launched in February to celebrate the glory of Madurai.
Scheduled for February 8, 9 and 10, ‘Maamadurai Potruvom’ is aimed at promoting and creating awareness of Madurai’s rich heritage, culture, tradition, antiquity and history. The 3D models unveiled on Monday illustrate the cultural and historical significance of Madurai, which is believed to be 3000 years old.
The model near Vilakuthoon depicts a man trying to tame a raging bull, illustrating the traditional sport of ‘Jallikattu’. Near the busy Periyar Bus Stand, the Western Gate of the Nayak Fort has been given a facelift. Artists have replicated a part of the fort’s wall, demolished by the British in 1841. The 16th century structure looks magnificent with a majestic logo of ‘Maamadurai Potruvom’ and five silhouettes of elephant heads.
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The 3D model at Palanganatham has silhouettes of elephants on rocks containing ancient Tamil inscriptions. The logos of ‘Maamadurai Potruvom’ have been displayed at all three places. The logo depicts the colourful streets and the four gopurams of the famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple near the legendary Vaigai River.
Collector Anshul Mishra, Mayor V. V. Rajan Chellappa, Corporation Commissioner R. Nanthagopal, Karumuttu. T. Kannan, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and the head of the committee formed to organise the event and other members of the committee unveiled the 3D models.
“Madurai Corporation and district administration will undertake works to clean Madurai and accentuate the historical significance and tourist attractions of the city”, the Mayor said after unveiling the three models.
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As many as 40 artists from Chennai headed by art director Nagu undertook the creation of the models for two weeks.
The models made of fibre and plaster of paris will be kept intact for several weeks, said the organisers. Workshops, symposiums, seminars, carnivals, heritage walks and marathons would be organised as part of the celebrations.