Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, 19th October, 2008 :Captivating performances, display of handicrafts, showcasing of traditional & contemporary paintings, tourism pavilion, spicy south food festival and above all integration of the two cultures, the five day cultural Extravaganza "Poompuhar 2008" concludes today. The Governor of Haryana, Dr. A.R. Kidwai was the chief guest at the valediction ceremony whereas the Governor of Tamilnadu, Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala, presided over the valedictory function. The cultural extravaganza that commenced with a musical note, today ended adding some more music, color, gusto and passion.
About 255 artists from Tamilnadu sponsored by South Zone Culture Center (SZCC) and approximately 110 artists from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh sponsored by North Zone Cultural Center showcased various skills during the event. Various departments including Department of Tourism, Government of Tamilnadu (GoT), Cooptex, GoT, Tamilnadu Handicrafts Development Corporation, Aavin, GoT, Tamilnadu Tea Corporation, GoT, TIDCO and Departments of Tourism, UTA took part in the event.
The Mega event commenced with "Kalai Kolam" a special choreographic presentation, of around one hour, with about 200 artists participating in it. The presentation was prepared by combining the folk and classical dances and Music of Tamilnadu and Punjab. The presentation was a perfect example showcasing integrity in diversity. During the five day long cultural programme the artists showcased various dance forms including Bharata Natyam, Veera Natanam, Jhoomer, Giddha, Gussadi, Zindua, Bhagra, Thappatam, Karagam & Kavadi, Kummi Kolattam, Poru parai, stick dance and fire Show, mix of cultures from Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The five day mega event was displayed at various locations including Leisure Valley, Sector 10, University Law Auditorium, Plaza Sector 17, Mountview Hotel, Sukhna Lake and Chandigarh Club.
The major attraction of the valedictory function was "Kalai Tamarai (Lotus of Creativity)" a choreographic presentation by Padmavibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh. The presentation was symbolic of removing darkness and impurity of Spiritual Ignorance by constant endeavour to rise above and open up to the sun of Spiritual knowledge and Cosmic Consciousness. As many as 400 artists set the stage ablaze by their thundering performances. The performers mesmerized the audiences with the deadly maneuvers combined with dance, music and colorful attire.
Union Minister of State for Banking Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal was the guest of Honor at the function. The event was being organized with support of the Chandigarh Administration. The extravaganza was a great success and thronged thousands of people during the five days.
The Governor of Haryana, Dr. A.R. Kidwai presented a memento to Dr. Sonal Mansingh for her contribution in making the event a grand success.
Resident Commissioner, Tamilnadu House, Delhi, Mr. Jagmohan Singh Raju in his welcome address said that the cultural extravaganza brought the two distinct cultures of South and North India together on one stage. He further said that this was for the first time that the Tamilnadu has come up with such a grand event outside the state with showcasing 18 artforms of the Tamilnadu and 7 from North India.
Cabinet Minister, Cooperation, Punjab, Captain Kamwaljit Singh, Director SZCC, Mr. K.V. Giridhar, senior officials of Tamil Nadu Government and Chandigarh Administration and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.