New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural and educational exchange initiative between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), is set to commence today and will be held from December 2 to 15 this year. Established in 2022, this endeavor aims to revive the age-old civilizational, linguistic, and spiritual connections between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).

Before the event kicks off, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared his excitement about the occasion on platform X.

“I will be witnessing the fourth edition of 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam', a vibrant embodiment of Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat, commencing today in the sacred city of Varanasi, the home of Baba Vishwanath,” he conveyed.

“This grand celebration, starting under the theme ‘Let us Learn Tamil’, will once again act as a conduit to unify the cultures and traditions of North and South India. Under the guidance of our esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, today’s ‘New India’ is at the zenith of Vedic and cultural awareness,” he further remarked.

The inaugural edition in 2022, spanning nearly a month, saw enthusiastic involvement from scholars, students, artists, and pilgrims across both states. The third edition, originally slated for December 2024, was later adjusted and took place from February 15 to 24, 2025.

Officials have announced that the forthcoming fourth edition will kick off in Varanasi on December 2, concluding with a ceremony in Rameswaram, symbolically connecting the sacred northern and southern ends of the Indian subcontinent.

This year’s theme, “Learn Tamil”, underlines the richness of the Tamil language and its classical literary heritage, particularly aimed at engaging students from the northern regions. Educational institutions in both Varanasi and Tamil Nadu will conduct interactive sessions, language-learning workshops, and cultural programs that delve into Tamil’s contributions to Indian knowledge systems and its linguistic legacy.

As part of the Centre’s broader Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam aspires to enhance cultural unity and national integration via collaboration in education, art, and heritage studies. The program has previously facilitated student exchanges, traditional art exhibitions, spiritual yatras, and research discussions on shared heritage, including links between Shaivite traditions in Kashi and Tamil temples.

This year’s lineup will also showcase folk performances, traditional cuisine fairs, and temple-heritage tours, designed to immerse participants in the vibrant traditions of Tamil and Kashi cultures.

Organizers anticipate robust participation from universities, cultural institutions, and government departments from both Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.