‘Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam’: Fourth Edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam Set to Begin on December 2

The spiritual corridors of Kashi are gearing up once again to welcome the cultural soul of Tamil Nadu as the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) is set to commence on December 2. This year’s theme — “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam” — places a strong emphasis on language learning, cultural exchange, and deepening civilisational bonds between the North and the South.

Organised jointly by IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and supported by key central ministries, the 14-day event will celebrate the shared heritage of Kashi and Tamilakam, echoing the spirit of the government’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.

A Celebration of Culture, Language & Heritage

Over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu are expected to take part this year. The participants have been divided into seven groups—students, teachers, writers and media professionals, artisans and professionals, women, agricultural workers, and spiritual scholars.

For them, the Sangamam is not just a festival, but an experience. Delegates will undertake an eight-day journey through Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, exploring ancient temples, historic ghats, Tamil cultural landmarks in Kashi, and places associated with iconic poet Subramanya Bharati.

Focus on Learning Tamil

This edition stands out for its strong educational thrust. Under the “Tamil Karkalam” campaign:

• About 50 Tamil teachers will be stationed in schools across Varanasi to teach Tamil to Hindi-speaking students.

• Nearly 300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will travel to Tamil Nadu for a 15-day Tamil orientation programme.

• A nationwide initiative, “Tamil Karpom,” will encourage North Indian youth to learn spoken Tamil directly in Tamil Nadu.

Officials say this is one of the largest language exchange missions India has attempted in recent years.

Special Highlights: From Agasthya to Annadhanam

A unique attraction this year is the Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition. Starting from Tenkasi on December 2, the expedition will trace ancient cultural routes and reach Kashi by December 10, symbolising the historical journey of Tamil knowledge systems to the North.

Cultural evenings featuring classical music, folk art, and traditional Tamil cuisine will add colour to the festival. Seminars on Siddha medicine, ancient Tamil literature, and cultural history are also planned.

Ensuring Smooth Conduct

Local authorities in Varanasi have readied a comprehensive security plan, special help desks, multilingual volunteers, and promotion of the BHASHINI translation app to help Tamil delegates communicate comfortably.

A Journey That Ends in Rameswaram

Unlike past editions, the valedictory ceremony of KTS 4.0 will be held in Rameswaram on December 15, symbolically completing the cultural bridge between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

A Bond That Only Grows Stronger

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has rapidly evolved into a cultural movement, reinforcing the emotional, linguistic, and spiritual ties between two ancient civilisations. With its new focus on language learning, KTS 4.0 promises to take the relationship beyond festivals — and into classrooms, communities, and everyday conversations.