Tamil culture takes centre stage

Trichy: From fossils of the Palaeolithic period to swords of the Iron Age, exemplifying tradition and ancient history of Tamil Nadu, were displayed at a model village set up for the diamond jubilee event.
Discoveries unearthed at archeological sites of Adichinallur, Sivagalai, Mayiladumparai, Kilnamandi, Mangadu, and Thelunganur were exhibited. Landscapes of the five Sangam era terrains — kurinji (mountains), mullai (forests), marutham (plains), neithal (seashores), and palai (deserts), were also displayed. Rock paintings, Tamil inscriptions, sculptures, and paintings were also showcased.
"Many events exposed people from across the country to Tamil Nadu's culture. One event that really stands out is the Tamil Nadu night on Jan 28, in which people got to know more about the Tamil culture as they shared food, ideas, music, dance, language, traditions, and more. Throughout the week-long event, Tamil culture took the centre stage," M Vijayan, state treasurer of Bharat Scouts and Guides, told TOI.
Traditional games such as ‘ilavatta kal', a sport where participants lift a heavy, smooth, spherical granite ball, were conducted at the model village. Police constable Gopalakrishnan from Manapparai lifted the 100kg stone and emerged as the winner among thousands of participants.
Scouts and Guides from other states visited various locations, including the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Malaikottai, Kallanai, and even as far as Rameswaram, during the past week.