The fourth edition of Chennai Sangamam 2010, the biggest open cultural festival of the country, organised by Tamil Maiyam in collaboration with Tourism Department, would begin from January 10.

“More than one thousand folk artists will play the central role in orchestrating the week long festival along with classical singers, musicians and dancers”, Tamil Maiyam Coordinator Kanimozhi, MP, told reporters here on Monday.

She said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will inaugurate the festival titled ‘Pirappokkum’ (birth is the same for all and everything — a theme from Thirukkural), which was also the official theme of World Classical Tamil Conference to be held at Coimbatore in June 2010.

“An interesting component in the Sangamam is the inclusion of more than 20 western music bands of the city”, she said, adding,” they have been asked to perform ‘Tamil Rock and Folk“.

“The bands will also have a contest among themselves on the theme of World Peace”, she said adding “we also invited folk performers from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Orissa.

Ms. Kanimozhi said that a food festival to showcase various regional cuisines of Tamil Nadu would also be organised during the Sangamam.

General Information about Chennai Sangamam

Chennai Sangamam is one of the largest cultural festival held in Chennai during the month of January every year. It is announced that Chennai Sangamam 2010 will be held from January 10. This festival is organized by Department of tourism and culture of Government of Tamil Nadu. And Tamil Maiyam. Chennai Sangamam is centered around the Pongal festival. It is the "biggest open festival" in India.

Festival takes place in various parts of Chennai. It is conducted in parks, beaches, school/college grounds and many more venues. About 2000 performers take part. It depicts the culture of Tamil Nadu.

Events in Chennai Sangamam Festival and Venues will be announced shortly.

Some of the important events are the

Food festival – Where you can taste all kinds of food from Kongu Nadu Samayal, Manaparai Murukku, Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Virundhunagar Parotta, Iruttukadai Halwa, Dindigul Venu Biriyani and Chettinad Samayal. The "venue of food festival" will be in different places. Go there and enjoy the feast.

Carnatic Music Festival – If you are a lover of music then you have opportunity to hear songs from your favorite singers.

Games – All traditional games like Silambattam, Malyutham, Vazhukumaram, Uriyadi, and Kalari will be there at the fest.

The other important festivals are dance festival, poetry and photography contest too. Go to the spots and enjoy all fest.

For more information about venues and events in Chennai Sangamam 2010 visit http://www.chennaisangamam.com