‘Semmozhi Kalaivizha' off to grand start

Deputy Chief Minister M.K.Stalin beats the traditional drum to inaugurate 'Semmozhi Kalaivizha', in Coimbatore on Sunday. Kanimozhi , MP is in the picture.

Semmozhi Kalaivizha, the cultural show organised as part of the World Classical Tamil Conference, got off to a grand start on the prison grounds in Gandhipuram in the city on Sunday evening. Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the event by beating the drums.

Rajya Sabha Member Kanimozhi, State Ministers A..V. Velu, K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, N. Suresh Rajan, Pongalur N. Palanisamy and Tamilarasi and Special Officer K. Allaudin were present.

Hundreds of people witnessed the event from the well-illuminated venue. On the artistically decorated stage were the artists ready to perform ‘Nayyandi melam', ‘Karagattam', ‘Paraiattam', ‘Oyilattam', among others.

Similar events were organised at 10 other locations across the city and the suburbs.

There too artists treated the audience with traditional Tamil art forms. The event will go on for the next two days.

On Monday and Tuesday, the public will be treated to ‘Periya melam', ‘Kaichilambattam', ‘Sevaiyattam', ‘Chakkaiattam', ‘Villupaatu', ‘Bharatanatiyam', tribal dance, ‘Tamilisai', ‘Kavadiattam', ‘Bommaiattam', among others.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin visited V.O.C. Park grounds to review the progress of work on tableaux that will form part of the procession.

A release from the district administration said 40 tableaux were nearing completion. Art directors present at the venue explained the significance of each tableau.

He later went to Tiruchi Road to look at the park created near Sungam Junction and also the road widening works being carried out at Rs.16 crore. And from there he went to the CODISSIA complex to inaugurate the conference venue.

Mr. Stalin inspected the works completed at the seminar halls, food court, expansion work, bird-shaped entrance, open air auditorium, fountain and lawn. He also went to the ‘Tholkappiar Arangam', where on June 24 Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi would inaugurate the sessions.