Thursday, October 11, 2007

Films

Speaking of the history of the Tamil film industry, the first movie in Tamil was made by Nataraja R. Mudaliar. He learned the tricks of cinematography at Pune and became the official cinematographer of Lord Curzon’s 1903 durbar. He set up a studio on Miller's Road, Keelpakam with a second hand camera and financial help from S M Dharmalingam. He made ‘Keechaka Vadham’ inter-titled in Tamil, Hindi and English. He made ‘Draupadi Vastrapaharanam’ featuring an Anglo-Indian actress, Marian Hill, as Draupadi. In 1923, his studio was burnt down and his son died, prompting him to retire.

Then came Raja P. K. Sandow (1894-1942). A passionate gymnast, he started his career as a stunt actor in S W Patankara's National Film. He went to Bombay and made silent movies. He became famous by the movie ‘Veer Bhemsean’. Returning to Tamil Nadu, he made many movies based on social reforms. Directing his first film, ‘Anaadhai Penn’, with R Padmanabhan, he embarked on a series of reformist social movies. He made ‘Nandhanar’, the story of an untouchable Hindu Saint. He was the first one to put actors’ names in the movie title. The Tamil Nadu government gives the 'Raja Sandow Award' for best movies, in memory of him.

T P Rajalakshmi was an actress, producer and the first Tamil woman director.

She learnt dance and music and made her stage debut under the tutelage of Sankaradas Swamigal, considered the father of modern Tamil theatre.

In 1936, she directed the movie ‘Miss Kamala’ (based on her first novel) and earned recognition as the first woman director of the Tamil film industry. She also acted in Sandow's ‘Usha Sundari’ and ‘Rajeswari’.

T R Sundaram worked at Angel Films, then took it over and started the Modern Theaters Studio (1937) in Salem. He produced 98 films, including work by Duncan, C V Raman and T R Raghunath. He approached with a business-like attitude, importing foreign technicians for his debut ‘Sati Ahalya’ and also produced the first Malayalam sound film, ‘Balan’ (1938). He revolutionised the film industry by producing the first colour film in Tamil, ‘Alibabavum Narpathu Thirudargalum’, starring one of Tamil cinema’s most charismatic actors, M G Ramachandran, and in Malayalam, ‘Kandam Bacha Coat’. In memory of him, the South Indian Chambers Complex is called 'Sundaram Avenue'.

Many a has set the cash counters ringing. Many have churned out ‘masala’ stuff and many others titillated an insatiable audience. But a few movies set the trend for many to follow, the impact on movie makers and the public being equally great. These trendsetters were a result of a good story line combined with brilliant direction and acting. Many such trendsetters were created not by veterans but by greenhorns, graduating from film institutes and farms! When the masses stopped flocking to the theatres, these movies pulled them in by the droves.

The first of these was, of course, ‘Haridas’ which ran for a record 768 days! Following closely was ‘Thyagabhoomi’ of 1939. Directed by K Subrahmanyan, this film was a watershed in the sense that it spoke eloquently about the prevailing social and patriotic scenario. ‘Nam Iruvar’ was screened in 1947. Even today some of the songs of in this film are standard fare on television and radio during occasions of national importance. This film comes down heavily on the evils of black marketeering and lust for money.

Krishnan-Panju-directed ‘Parasakthi’ of 1952 was a controversial and dialogue-laden film that spoke of rationalism. The film showed the hero as a rationalist, having great affection for his sister, almost murdering a priest who tries to molest her inside the precincts of a temple. Like ‘Nam Iruvar’, this film too depicts the rampant black marketeering of the time. M Karunanidhi, the present Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, penned the dialogues for this film, which were later released as an audio record. This film stressed the importance of dialogues for a film, and their delivery in an impassioned manner, epitomised by Sivaji Ganesan. It is to be noted that this was Sivaji’s first film, after several encore performances in stage dramas.

‘Devdas’ in 1953 introduced the concept of tragedy in movies, with the movie doing well in Hindi and Telugu which were filmed after the success of the Tamil version. In 1959, the Kollywood-produced film ‘Veerapandiya Kattabomman’ won the "Best Movie" award at that year's Afro-Asian Festival.

‘Kalyana Parisu’ (1959), director C V Sridhar's debut, introduced a parallel comedy track that sent the audience guffawing. It set a trend by its brand of humour. Shobha’s stellar performance in the Durai directed film ‘Pasi’ (1979) won her a national award for Best Actress. She plays Kuppamma, a rag-picker, mouthing an almost separate dialect of Tamil, contemptuously called 'Madras Tamil'.

Mani Ratnam's ‘Nayagan’ (1987) tells the tale of an underworld don in Mumbai. This film is noteworthy for the way it was crafted Cinematographer P C Sriram and Art director Thotta Tharani added a new dimension to their respective fields. Kamal Haasan’s screen portrayal of the ruthless don won him the country's best actor award and P C Sriram won the national award for cinematography and Thotta Tharani, for art direction.

In the technological aspect, the first film to have used the Dolby system was Kamal Haasan's ‘Kurudhipunal’. Similarly, the first indian film to have adopted DTS system was Abavanan's ‘Karuppu Roja’. These are just two examples to show the advancements and accomplishments of Tamil films in Indian cinema.

The invention of L D Forrest, Movie tone helped record the sound on the edge of the film. In the recently introduced Super 35 mm technology, sound will be recorded on the image itself. This way, not only will the image have superior clarity, but the sound too would be crystal clear. Selvaraghavan's ‘Pudupettai’ and Kamal's ‘Vettaiyadu Vilayadu’ adopted this Super 35 mm technology.

The laurels the industry has won is too many to list.

‘Malli’, released in 1998, won the Golden Pyramid Best Film award at that year's Cairo international film Festival, and ‘The Terrorist’ won the same award in 1999. In 2004, ‘Virumandi’ won the Best Asian movie award

The 2005 release ‘Raam’ won both Best Musical Score and Best Actor awards at the 2006 Cyprus International Film Festival, and another 2005 release, ‘Navarasa’, won the Angel Independent Spirit Award and Best Supporting Actor awards at the Monaco International Film Festival. Now we have ‘Sivaji’ rocking theatres around the world!

Other memorable movies that made a mark were Rajnikant-starrer ‘Padaiyappa’ which ran for 200 days, grossing Rs 40 crore.

‘Ramana’, slated to be Vijaykanth’s best performed movie.

Mani Ratnam’s ‘Kannathil Muthamittal’, ‘Ghajini’ starring Suriya, Rajnikant’s ‘Chandramukhi’, Vikram’s ‘Anniyan,’ Kamal’s ‘Vettaiyadu Vilayadu’, K S Ravikumar’s directorial venture and Ajith-starrer ‘Varalaru’, ‘Guru’ by Mani Ratnam and now ‘Sivaji’, starring Rajnikant were all big budget movies that kept the audience glued to the screens.

The average annual film output in the Tamil film industry has risen steadily in the 20th century. The Tamil film industry accounts for approximately 1 per cent of the gross domestic product of Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu government has made provision for entertainment tax exemption for Tamil movies having pure Tamil word(s) in the title.

This is in accordance with Government Order 72 passed on July 22, 2006. The first film to be released after the new order was ‘Unnakkum Ennakum’. The original title had been ‘Something, Something Unakkum, Ennakkum’, a half-English and a-half-Tamil title.

Tamil cinema’s glorious 75 years of existence is being celebrated in a gala manner all over the world with star nights and award functions in Singapore, Malaysia, the UK, US, Japan and many more countries all through this year. The fĂȘte kick started on August 6, 2007, in the hometown of the Tamil film industry, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. With cultural events, competitions, celebrity performances, debates and discussions, star nights and award ceremonies, it would be a year to remember…

Museums


Government State Museum, Museums in Tamilnadu Government State Museum : This museum in Chennai is best known for two important collections: sculptures from Amarvati and its famed Bronze Gallery. The Amaravati collection has panels, pillars, carved railings and Buddha statues of Milky white marble from a Buddhist stupa excavated at Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. There are bronze sculptures from the later Pallava, Chola, Hoysala and Chalukya periods.

Fort St. George Museum :
The museum displays collection of portraits and paintings of former governors of Chennai as well as of English royalty. Among the other objects on view are weapons, coins, porcelain and the communion vessels of the church.

Thanjavur Art Gallery :Art Gallery, Museums in Tamilnadu The former palace of the Nayaks of Thanjavur once viceroys of the Vijaynagara rules and later hereditary rulers, is a wonderful and extravagant piece of architecture, built in 1600. The huge enclosed compound encompasses a complex which includes the Art Gallery, the Saraswati Library and the Sangeetha Sabha or Music Hall.A gigantic tower, the arsenal, decorated with bands of arches form the external facade. One enters into a hall which is the sculpture gallery where examples of south Indian stone sculptures dating from the Pallava to Nayak period are exhibited.

Government Museum :
The various sections in the museum deal with archaeology, anthropology, zoology, numismatology, botany and geology. The museum has a fine collection of bronzes which are not allowed to be photographed

Hotels and Resorts of Tamil Nadu

The Realm of Luxuriousness

Hotel Le Meridien, Chennai
Hotel Le Meridien, Chennai

Hotels in Tamil Nadu are now considered among the best in whole India. Nestling on the best possible locations, the hotel resorts are the place for leisure, recreational activities, family and corporate bonding, golf courses, and a venue for meetings and conference. Tamil Nadu, with the rate at which it is developing, has amazed one and all and the big wigs want a piece of it by investing in this express state. And among these opportunists, ahead are the hotel empires that have set up their hotels at prime.


As people of Tamil Nadu are famous for their warm and caring attitude towards their guests, the hotels of Tamil Nadu are also known for their impeccable service and pampering hospitality. Once you give these hotels a chance to serve you, rest assured, whenever you return to these lands, you will look no further for a place to stay. Right from the lobby to your private rooms, these hotels are decorated with sublime themes perfectly complimented by the art and woodwork that you will find almost at all nook and corners. These hotels offer facilities that are nothing less than pure lavishness.

Amenities that you will find in all world class Tamil Nadu hotels are - rejuvenating spas with skilled and professional staff giving special Ayurvedic treatments, swimming pools, modern gymnasiums fitted with all machines, conference halls equipped with cutting edge communication system and option for sports as well with resources for games like tennis, golf and horse riding. Even the most basic rooms are given with facilities like color TV with cable connection, phone line, room service and much more.

The hotels in Tamil Nadu are always prepared and fervent in serving even the biggest personalities with utmost care and precision. They all were fascinated by the care they got here and now its your turn to get the same pampering that they got.

Taj Garden Retreat

Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai
Taj Garden Retreat, Madurai

Taj Garden Retreat - Live Through The Timeless Masterpiece

Taj Garden Retreat in Madurai is another feather in the crown of Taj Groups. Sitting pretty over the Pasumalai hill covering an area of 62 acres, this is the oldest luxury hotel in the south with around a hundred year history behind it. The Hotel is the perfect mix of past heritage and present modernity. This is the oldest luxury hotel in the south with around a hundred year history behind it. The city center and the famous Meenakshi temple are just 15 minutes drive away from the Retreat. The hotels offers panoramic view of the city down the hills and the beautiful Kodai hills. When you are on the balcony of the Taj and look a bit farther, you can see the water swollen black clouds, hanging over the mountains ready to burst upon the gentle giants. The Madurai as we all know is a wonderful place to visit, but the visit becomes a holiday when you choose Taj Garden Retreat as your staying option.

Most Lavish Accommodation

Taj Garden Retreat is a 63-rooms accommodation each of which are impeccably decorated and designed. You will see a masterly combination of heritage themes with contemporary furniture which will prompt you to find a new definition of luxury. The rooms are classified into different groups like Standard rooms, old world rooms, superior rooms and Deluxe rooms. Choose to stay in any of them, and rest assured, you never will think of any other hotel to stay in other than the grand Taj. Though not many come to the naturally gifted Madurai for business works, still few who come, never get disappointed amidst facilities like conference halls and most modern communication systems. From the entertainment point of view also, amenities like swimming pool, tennis and badminton help Taj scores over others with utmost ease.

Everybody expects a class apart standard to be maintained by a glorious Retreat like Taj Garden Retreat and my word, Taj exceeds those expectations with flying colors. The restaurant in the Retreat serves every cuisine right from South Indian to pure Italian. Even the drinks and cocktails that are served here are the best of the best which sorted out from thousands of varieties, specially for its esteemed guests. This only becomes another reason among the heaps of it for the tourist to choose Taj garden Retreat as their dream staying option. Taj Garden Retreat is situated on the Pasumalai Hills, is just 15-minute drive away from the city center and the famous Meenakshi temple. This makes the Taj Retreat easily accessible from any corner of the city.

Stay Now

Madurai is an important part when you are on a Tamil Nadu tour and similarly Taj Retreat has become an equally important part when you are exploring the city of Madurai. Taj Retreat, ever since it was established has set new standards in tourist hospitality and promises to do so till it is operational. So to get pampered by endearingly warm hospitality and utmost luxury, choose Taj as your palatial abode.

MGM Beach Resort

MGM Beach Resort
MGM Beach Resort

MGM Beach Resort - The unforgettable authentic Beach Stay

MGM Beach resort nestling grandly on the beach of Chennai is one of the best beach resort in the entire country. Providing you with the best views of the shimmering blue oceans, the golden sands, the dancing waves, this resort helps you in rejuvenating yourself and perhaps, rediscovering your lost inner child. With towering coconut palms, lush green lawns, colorful flowers and soothing cool breeze caressing your cheeks, it definitely the apt getaway from the city's frantic pace. Even inside the resort, the furnishing and theme, give it a sedate look, perfect for a tourist tired of long journeys.

The 52 room accommodation provided by the resort is at par with any world class resort. The luxurious suites offer a panoramic view of the ocean apart from the dazzling view of the gardens and lake that are present inside the resort premises itself. The rooms also are very wisely decorated to give its guest a calm and refreshing environment. The suites has taken care of guest of all ages. For kids, there are many game facilities like the carrom board and many rides of the Dizee World coined as the best family entertainment center in Asia and youngster can spend their time on the pool table. In the noon time when the heat is a bit sore, a tourist can spend his time in the refreshing swimming pool and in the evening take a leisurely walk by the beach sides. Nights are pretty wild in the resort with a live band playing out your best music in the disco. For better relaxation of tourists, there is also an Ayurvedic spa with trained professionals that are there to provide you with a massage that will awaken all your senses and for the good.

This is a beach resort and after staying here, you leave without enjoying the ocean, there is no point having stayed here. Keeping this in mind, the hotel also offers you facilities of water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving. For starters, there is a trained coach who will tell exactly what to do and what precautions to take. It is advisable that you follow the instructions of your coach word to word because ocean currents can be a tricky prospect and you should be absolutely sure of what you are doing. Emergency medical facility is always there on standby so there is nothing to worry about.

The beach resort is located on the beach which is around 25 km from Chennai heart and around 25 km from Mahabalipuram. And that means it is close to two cities but still away from the city chaos. Getting here is the least problematic as there are ample of transportation facilities from both the nearby city.

So if you are planning to spend your vacation on the side of one of the nature's wonders, then look no farther for a pleasant and luxurious stay. Your time away from your daily and mundane lives will be as adventurous as you had dreamed and Quality Inn MGM beach resort can make your dream come true.

Hotel Lakeview Hill Resort

Hotel Lake View Resort
Hotel Lake View Resort

Hotel Lakeview - Luxury Full of Health

The premises of Hotel Lakeview is spread over an area of 8 acres on the absolutely scintillating terrace slopes of a hill. This resort is located in one of the most arresting sceneries possibly in the entire country. And this turns out to be the best point from where you can start your exploration of Ooty. Rather than rooms, the guests stay in number of cottages that are stacked in line adjacent to one other. The style of design of these cottages perfectly resemble south Indian homes which makes you feel a lot cozier and nearer to your home. All the cottages have a well trimmed garden in the front where you can just lie down on your back and enjoy the refreshing environment of Ooty.

In total there are 123 cottages, or let us say luxurious homes that are brimming with all modern facilities that you require for an excellent vacations. Step out of our cottage and you will find yourself pampered with amenities for horse riding, badminton, and other indoor games. Though Ooty is never looked upon as a place for business trips, but Hotel Lakeview by providing facilities like conference halls, and contemporary communication systems, leave no stone unturned to makes it one of the best destination to finalize your business deals. Here you will also get sight seeing tours arranged for you.

Being situated amidst the hills, tourist come to Ooty looking for an adventurous tour and Hotel Lakeview helps them fulfill their wishes by offering few of the most interesting trekking programmes. The hotel regularly organizes picnics and treks under the guidance of professionals that help tourist discover even the most hidden and spectacular trek routes of Ooty. So if are coming to this resplendent hill station for with an adventure mindset, then choose no other staying options because you will find none better.

Reach the Resort

The hotel is located is around 1.5 km from Ooty railway station and Bus stand. From their you can hire ample of taxis that will bring you to this marvelous hotel.

Hotel Lakeview for long has been considered an epitome of luxury and care blended to optimum. Every guest who ever had an opportunity to stay in this hotel, have left completely satiated. Even you can be one of those esteemed guests who like all others can get your expectations exceeded by choosing Hotel Lakeview as your abode in Ooty.

Dances

Folk Dances Of Tamil Nadu

Karagattam

Tamilnadu had developed the art of entertainment to its pristine heights at early age. The three modes of entertainment to its pristine heights at a very early age. The three modes of entertainment classified as Iyal (Literature), Isai (Music) and Nadagam (Drama) had their roots in the rural folk theatre like Therukoothu. Many forms of group and individual dances with the classical forms for popularity and sheer entertainment value. Majority of these dances are still thriving in Tamil Nadu today.

The more celebrated forms of village folk dances are :


Karagaattam

Karagam is a folk dance with musical accompaniment, performed balancing a pot on the head. Traditionally, this dance was performed by the villagers in praise of the rain goddess Mari Amman and river goddess, Gangai Amman, performed with literature with water pots balanced on their heads. In Sangam literature, it is mentioned as 'Kudakoothu'. This dance has two divisions - one, Aatta Karagam and the other 'Sakthi Karagam'. More often it is danced with decorated pots on the head and is known as 'Aatta Karagam' and symbolises joy and merriment. The former is performed only in temples, while the latter is mainly entertainment in nature. This is one of the more popular rural dances today. Earlier it was performed only with accompliment of the Naiyandi Melam but now it includes songs also.

Karagams were once performed for mulaipari ceremony when the dancer carried a pot of sprouted grains on his/her head and danced, balancing it through intricate steps and body/arm movements. Today, the pots have transformed from mud pots to bronzeware and even stainless steel in modern times. The pots are decorated with a cone of flower arragements, topped by a paper parrot. The parrot rotates as the dancer swings along. This dance is very popular all over Tamilnadu, though its birth place is said to be Thanjavur. Most artistes hail from Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Pattukottai and Salem. This dance is danced by an individual or two persons. Both male and female performers participate in this. Acrobatics similar to circus are included - such as dancing on a rolling block of wood, up and down a ladder, threading a needle while bending backwards and so on.

Kummi

Kummi is one of the most important and ancient forms of village dances of Tamilnadu. It originated when there were no musical instruments, with the participants clapping their hands to keep time. This is performed by women; many varieties of Kummi, such as, Poonthatti Kummi, Deepa Kummi, Kulavai Kummi, Kadir Kummi, Mulaipari Kummi etc are known. The women stand in a circle and dance clapping their hands rhythamically tolifting songs. This dance is usually performed during temple festivals, Pongal, the harvest festival, family functions like the one to celebrate the coming of age (onset of puberty) of the girl-child etc. The first line of the song is sung by the leading lady, which the others repeat.

Mayil Attam

Mayil Attam This is done by girls dressed as peacocks, resplendent with peacock feathers and a glittering head-dress complete with a beak. This beak can be opened and closed with the help of a thread tied to it, and manipulated from within dress.
Other similar dances are, Kaalai Attam (dressed as a bull), Karadi Attam (dressed as a bear) and Aali Aattam (dressed as a demon) which are performed in the villages during village get-togethers. Vedala Aattam is performed wearing a mask depicting demons.

Kolaattam

Kolaattam is an ancient village art. This is mentioned in Kanchipuram as 'Cheivaikiyar Kolattam', which proves its antiquity. This is performed by women only, with two sticks held in each hand, beaten to make a rhythmic noise. Pinnal Kolaattam is danced with ropes which the women hold in their hands, the other of which are tied to a tall pole. With planned steps, the women skip over each other, which forms intricate lace-like patterns in the ropes. As coloured ropes are used, this lace looks extremely attractive. Again, they unravel this lace reversing the dance steps. This is performed for ten days, starting with the Amavasi or Newmoon night after Deepavali.

Oyil Kummi

This is an ancient folk dance form popular in Trichi, Salem, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore and Periyar Districts. No other musical instruments are used in this dance except the ankle-bells. This dance is performed by men only, during temple festivals. Stories and episodes centering around Murugan and Valli are depicted in the songs. As one of the rare folk art forms of ancient Tamil nadu, this is being practised now by the Telugu speaking people of the northern districts.

Kavadi Aattam

The ancient Tamils when they went on pilgrimage, carried the offerings to the gods tied on the either end of the long stick, which was balanced on the shoulders. In order to lessen the boredom of the long travel they used to sing and dance about the gods. Kavadi Aattam has its origin in this practice. Special songs were created to be sung while carrying the Kavadi Sindhu. This dance is performed only by men. It is done by balancing a pole with pots fixed on either end, filled with milk or cocunut water.
Kavadi
The poles are made from Purasai or Teak wood. On top, bamboo strips are bent like a half-moon, covered with saffron cloth and further decorated on the sides with peacock feathers. This is mainly a religious dance, performed in worship of Lord Murugan, the second son of Siva. The dance is accompanied by Pambai and Naiyandi Melam.

Poikkal Kudirai Aattam

This is the Dummy Horse Dance where the dancer bears the dummi figure of a horse's body on his/her hips. This is made of light-weighted materials and the cloth at the sides swings to and fro covering the legs of the dancer. The dancer dons wooden legs which sound like the hooves of the horse. The dancer brandishes either a sword or a whip. This folk dance needs much training and skill. This dance is accompanied by Naiyandi melam or Band music. This is connected to the worship of Ayyanar, prevails manily around Thanjavur.

Kai Silambu Attam

This dance is performed in temples during Amman festivals or Navaratri festival. The dancers wear ankle-bells and hold anklets or silambu in their hands, which make noise when shaken. They perform various stepping styles jumps. The dance is in praise of all female deities, the most preferred being the powerful angry goddess - Kali or Durga.

Silambattam

Kol silambam or fighting with a long stick and even with swords is a martial art from the days of Tamil Kings. Fights were characterised by moves of self defence, practise of skillful methods of approaching the opponent, overpowering and subduing him, and finally teaching him a lesson, all to put an end to violence. A violent fighting art has metamorphosed into a non-violent form of folk dance, adding stepping styles following the measure of time. It also teaches the performer the methods of the self defence in modern day world.

Chakkai Attam

Teak woodenpieces size of 7 X 3/4 inch are held between the fingers which make the noise. Eight to ten dancers stand in a circle or parallel lines. The accompanying songs are generally about gods and goddesses.


Kazhai Kothu

Kazhai Kothu is a performance of gymnastic specialised by Aryans. This is very similar to modern day circus. They travel in a group from place to place, entertaining the local people and thus earning a living.

Thappaattam

Thappu is the name of a rhythamic beat instrument and Thappattam is practiced among the suppressed classes of the people of the Tamil Nadu. The subtle form of dance accompanied by captivating music, is an ancient rural folk art which is even now popular in urban slum areas in villages.


Bommalattam or Puppet Show

Puppet shows are held in every village during festivals and fairs. Many different kinds of puppets are used for this show - cloth, wood, leather, etc. They are manipulated through strings or wires. The persons stand behind a screen and the puppets are held in front. The stories enacted in the puppet shows are from puranas, epics and folklore. These shows are very entertaining and hold both adults and childrens entralled for many hours.


Bagavatha Nadanam

This dance is performed inside a temple, around a lamp. The purpose is to worship Lord Krishna, and celebrate his frolics with the gopikas. This is performed during Ramanavami and Gokulashtami.

Theru Koothu

Normally conducted during village festivals, during the months of Panguni and Aadi. This is performed where three or four streets meet; in open air, the place being lit by gas lights. A wooden bench is set up to seat the singers and the musical troupe. Here, make-up and costumes are considered of prime importance. Only men take part; the female roles also played by them. The performance consists of stoy-telling, dialogue-rendering, songs and dance, all performed by the artistes. Thus the ariste should have a very good performing ability, being an all-rounder. The stories are taken from Puranas, epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, and also local folklore. The play starts in the late evening and gets over only during the small hours of the nights. The performance is so captivating that the audience are spell-bound unaware of the longs hours. Theru Koothu is more popular in the northern districts of Tamilnadu. The Koothu can be categorised as Nattu Koothu, including Vali Koothu, Kuravai Koothu etc. Samaya Koothu dealing with religious topics, Pei Koothu including Thunangai Koothu and Porkala Koothu dealing with martial events.


Devaraattam

Devarattam is a pure folk dance still preserved by the descendents of Veerapandiya Kattabomman dynasty at Kodangipatti of Madurai District. It was actually performed once a year near the temple and that too restricted to that community alone. Folklore research scholars have found that Devarattam is a combination of ancient 'muntherkuruvai' and 'pintherkuruvai' of the ancient Tamil Kings. It was performed in front of and at the chariot on the victorious return of the King and his army from battle field. Sometimes even the king and his marshalls would dance on the chariot deck. The soldiers and female dancers would form in lines and dance behind the chariot.

Today, this dance does not have any songs but only danced to the beat of Urumi Melam, Thappu Melam and sometimes, a long flute. The dancers hold a kerchief in each hand and swing them as they dance. The person leading the dance wears false beard and a mask decorated with shells to look like teeth. He dances the first step, which others follow.


Oyilattam

Oyil means beauty. This dance is hence the dance of beauty. Traditionally, it is danced only by men. Ten years ago women also began to participate. This dance is prevalent in the south districts and Kongu Nadu in particular. First a few people will stand in a row and start dancing with rhythmic steps with musical accompaniment. Intricate steps are used in martial arts, such as Silambattam. Then gradually the row will become longer as the new comers and guests all join and dance along as they like. The dancers wear ankle-bells. Normally, the dance is performed with the accomplishment of musical instruments and songs. It is performed near the temples or public places in the morning and evening hours, at times even till midnight. Styles of Oyilattam differ from place to place.

Snake Dance

Yet another typical speciality of the southern region is the snake-dance which arises from the popularity of the snake as a protective divinity, safeguarding the health and happiness of the rural folk.

Usually danced by young girls dressed in a tight-fighting costume designed like the snake-skin. The dancer simulates the movements of the snake, writhing and creeping, at times making quick biting movements with head and hands. The raised hands held together look like the hood of a snake.


Urummi Attam

The whirring sound of 'urumi' providing the melody and the beat of the Thappu providing the rhythm, accompany the dance sequence in this kind of temple art form. This is performed especially in Amman temples during the month of Adi. Nowadays, this art form is found only in selected villages in a few districts.

Ottan Koothu

Ottas, a small group of tribals, perform this form of ritual dance on festive occassions to depict episodes from epics and other ancient stories. The women folk also participate in the dance.


Kamandi or Kaman Pandigai

This is celebrated to commemorate the puranic event when Manmada the God of Love was burnt to ashes by Siva in anger. The villagers separate themselves into two parties as Erintha katchi and Eriyatha katchi and a heated debate ensues. Kaman and Rathi, his consort, are main characters.

Puli Attam

Puli  Attam Puli Attam is performed by young men with painted bodies in colours yellow and black, complete with fangs, head gear with ears, paws with claws and long tail, simulating the prancing, ouncing tiger in every ferocious move. Wildly beating drums add frenzy to the performance.
Sometimes, a goat is tied and brought along with the dancers, who pretend to pounce on it and kill it. This dance is regularly performed during temple festivals, drawing large crowds.


Kali Attam

Kali means joy or fun and games. This is also known as Koladi, Kolkali, Kambadi Kali and Kolaattam. Sticks one foot length are held in each hand and beaten to make a sharp, rasping sound as the dance proceeds with unique steps, twisting and turning. It is danced by both men and women, during festivals, auspicious days and weddings. The special qualities fo the dance are quickness, alertness, while being careful no to hurt the other dancers by the swinging 'kol'. Earlier, the 'kols' were brightly painted and decorated with brass rings, bells etc. The dancers used to wear ankle-bells. However, no special dress or make up was used for this dance.

Sevai Attam

This form of art is devoted to 'Thirumal' (Maha Vishnu) and is performed by village folk belonging especially to Nataka community. In this dance the performers forming a group, with one of them acting the buffoon, dance to the music of percussion instrument like 'urumi'. The classical songs and the measured steps with graceful movements are the special features of Sevai Attam. In Sangam works this had been known as 'Pinther Kuruvai'. In those days this was performed at the rear of a chariot procession either of a king or a deity.


Villu Pattu

The main singer here is accompanied by a chorus, musical instruments and a main instrument, the Villu or Bow, fixed with bells . The villu is struck rhythmically when the bells jingle in tune. The main singer relates a tale, interspersed with lively songs.

Festivals

Tamil Nadu Festivals

Pongal Festival
Pongal Festival

A Date With The Most Memorable Calendar.....

Tamil Nadu. There is no place like this. Having fascinated tourists for decades, Tamil Nadu has something new to offer every year. Tamil Nadu is blessed with a rich culture and a traditional past. The glory and the gradeur comes alive to greet you every day. Temples, beaches, hill stations, gopurams, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife... name it, you have it. The festivals and the festive moods of Tamil Nadu are other reasons for the constant inflow of tourists. There is a festival for every month.

Festivals serve as an occasion for family reunion from long time and now become a part and parcel of people's lives, occasions like the Natyanjali Dance festival, has started attracting tourists from all over the world. Tamil Nadu is also blessed with innumerable number of temples, almost all of these religious structures have their own special festivals and fairs to celebrate. Most of these temple festivals are in the month between September and November and between March and June. Come, and join the soil of verginity along In festivals of Tamil Nadu you will see a perfect blend of dance, music and religion that will give you an insight into the real world of frolic and celebrations. Festivals that make a year full of fond memories. We welcome you to share the same.

Pongal Festival

January - Pongal Festival First Day of the Tamil Month - Thai
Pongal is one of those festivals that is celebrated almost everywhere in India but with different names. It is the most important festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu to mark the harvesting of crops. The festival and celebrations are spread over a period of four days. The celebrations are generally confined to people's home and you might not be able to see much activities on the roads but the third day is for thanking and paying homage to natural factors like Sun god, earth and cattle that play a major part in the harvesting of crops and you might just spot locales outside their homes worshiping their cattles. These sights will introduce you to a different kind of relation between man and animal, different than any that you have ever imagined.

Tourist Fair

January - Chennai
Welcome to the colourfull TTDC Trade Fair at Chennai. The exhibition introduces you to Tamil Nadu. It`s cultural wealth, places of tourist interest, economic scenario and much more.

Tea and Tourism Festival

Last week of January - Udhagamandalam/Coonoor A 3-day festival at the Hill Stations. Varieties of tea are on display. Also available for tasting. Cultural extravaganzas, Cuisines of the South and the pleasant climate adds more flavour. For the right blend, Join in.

Natyanjali Festival

February - March /Chidambaram - Natyanjali Dance Festival
A festival dedicated to dance in devotion to Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja is what Natyanjali Dance festival is all about. This is one of the main festival that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and fervor. The festival is celebrated in Chidambaram every year in the month of February-March. It all begins from the day of Mahashivratri for the next five days. The visitors get a chance to see the performance of all the prominent dancers of India on the same platform. The performances are delivered in front of the Nataraja temple as a devotion to Lord Nataraja. The festival witnesses a large number of spectators so it is advisable that you book your ticket well in advance.

Chithirai Festival

April - Madurai
Venue is the famous Madurai temple, 500 knlS. from Chennai. The festival starts from the Tamil month -Chithirai, and goes on for ten days. The highlight is the procession of Lord `Kallazhagar` (Lord Vishnu) the elder brother of Goddess Meenakshi, who proceeds from his abode - Azhagarmalai 30 kms. from Madurai, to give away his sister in marriage to Lord Sundareshwar. The celebration is filled with pomp and festivity: The `Kallazhagar` entering the river Vaigai is indeed a spectacular sight.

Mango Festival

Last 3 days of June - Krishnagiri
Krishnagiri is the venue for the famous mango festival. Valrious mangoes are kept on display. It is also an event for the buyers and sellers to meet. Come, and you`re sure to go mangoes!

Saral Festival

July - Courtrallam
The monsoon brings happiness. And waterfalls at Courtrallam. The water falls on rocks and tiny droplets are sprinkled into the air. Thus, giving a `fog-like` appearance. The breeze carries this `fog` far. The phenomenon is called `Saral` in Tamil. The falls are known for its medicinal value. This is the only `spa` of its kind in the South. Cultural programmes, competitions, fun and frolic make this festival remarkable.

Summer Festival

May - June/Udhagamandalam, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Elagiri Hills
There are several beautiful Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu. With the Summer Festivals, the hills are even better. Clutural programmes, adventure sports, boat races, flower shows and fruit shows add to the splendour.

Cape Festival

October - Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is the Southern tip of the Indian Sub-continent, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Hindus consider a bath in this confluence as very sacred. The Vivekananda Memorial set amidst the sea is a place known to give mental emancipation. The Cape Festival is marked by a series of cultural programmes. Lasts for 3 days.

Dance Festival

December- February / Mamallapuram
The Dance Festival starts on the 25th of December every year and is conducted on all Saturdays, Sundays and Government holiday`s, upto February first week. Dancers and n1usicians of repute from India and abroad thrill the crowds every year. Folk dances of India are other added attractions.

Karthigai Deepam

Karthigai Deepam, called the festival of lights, is celebrated in the month of November- December. It is a very big and prominent festival of Tamil Nadu which goes on for a period of nine days. On these days all the houses are lit up with different lights and lamps few of which are made in the house itself. You will be delighted to see so much of lighting every where you gaze. On important days in between, you can witness the grand processions of deities on different types of decorated vehicles which is a real treat for eyes. Also visit the ten day cattle fair which is held in Thiruvannamalai where you will see cattle that are brought here from all parts of Tamil Nadu specifically for this fair.

TamilNadu Map

Tamilnadu Map


Map of Tamilnadu
Map of Tamilnadu

Forts

Madras War Cemetery

The Madras War Cemetery, a tribute to the valiant men and women who laid down their lives in the Second World War, was set up in 1952 by the Imperial War Graves Commission, which is now known as the "Commonwealth War Graves Commission" (CWGC). The Cemetery is maintained by the CWGC in partnership with the Indian Government.

The Stone of Remembrance greets the visitor to the Madras War Cemetery with the words from the Book of Ecclesiasticus 'Their Name Liveth For Evermore'. Then there is the Cross of Sacrifice, which is set up on an octagonal base bearing a bronze sword upon its shaft. These two monuments are common to all large CWGC cemeteries.


The Madras War Cemetery honors 855 men and women of the Commonwealth forces and one Polish airman who died during the war of 1939 - 1945. It has been a kind of second burial for these armed forces personnel, who died in the line of duty at different places while serving in various units during the war. Most of the graves were brought together from civil and cantonment cemeteries in the South and East of India. The Cemetery also has three non-world war graves.

Of the 857 war graves in the Madras War Cemetery, 659 served for the forces of United Kingdom, 110 served for the forces of West Africa, 49 for the forces of undivided India (India before partition), 17 for the forces of Canada, 14 for the forces of Australia, 5 served for the forces of New Zealand, one for Burma (Myanmar), one for Malaya and one for Poland.

Rock Fort Temple

The Rock Fort Temple tops on a 83m high outcrop. This temple was built by the Pallavas as a small cave temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position. It is a stiff climb, up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the top but well worth for the view.

The monument is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.

Kamaraj Memorial House

Built in the memory of Shri Kamaraj, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu, Kamaraj Memorial House is now a permanent gallery that showcases photographs and personal effects of Kamaraj who rose out of poverty to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (elected to the post thrice). Kamaraj Memorial House was inaugurated on 15th July 1978, by the then Chief Minister M.G Ramachandran

On the ground floor is the bedroom of this bachelor, whose austere living comes across so clearly in the plain furniture that occupies the room. Leaning over the railings, one can spot yellowed volumes of 'Lok Sabha Debates', '100 Modern Lives', 'Churchill' and 'Doctor Zhivago' amongst the books lined up in the well-stocked library. Obviously, having to discontinue his schooling did not stop him from becoming a well-read man.

Arjuna's Penance

This is an immense bas relief, ornately carved on the open face of two adjacent granite rocks. Also called the 'Descent of the Ganga' and 'Bhagiratha's Penance', the carving tees with human figures, animals, deities and ordinary people watching the descent of the holy river from the Himalayas.

A natural cleft between the two stones has been creatively used to simulate the cascading Ganga. Among the profusion of figures is an emaciated ascetic (close to the cleft towards the top of the left-hand rock) in the posture of penance. It has been variously identified as Bhagirath beseeching the Ganga to come down to earth and as Arjuna praying to Shiva.


Thirumalai Nayak Mahal

The palace is situated 2kms south east of Meenakshi Temple. The palace was built in 1636 by Thirumalai Nayakar. A classic example of the Indo-Saracenic style, the piece de resistance of this mahal is its carved dome outsoars without the support of girders or rafters.

The stucco work on its domes and arches is remarkable. The gigantic pillars and structures represents the amazing architectural mastery of Nayak Kings. The courtyard and the dancing hall are being the center of attractions. There are around 248 pillars of each 58 feet toll and 5 feet diameter.

Furniture and utensils used by the kings have been exhibited inside the palace. The palace is equipped to perform Light & Sound shows depicting the story of Silappathikaram in both Tamil and English languages.

Vivekananda Illam

Originally called Ice House, this landmark was re-christened Vivekananda Illam in 1963. This was in remembrance of Swami Vivekananda's brief sojourn here. (in 1897 when he delivered seven historic lectures at Chennai).

The building served the Tudor Ice Company, which used it for storage of ice from 1842 to 1874. Its structure was such that Ice could remain without melting for long periods. The Government took over the building in 1930 and it has been renovated recently, with a statue of Swami Vivekananda installed. Today, it houses a Gallery of 150 rare photographs on the life of Swami Vivekananda. It also houses a section on India's cultural heritage and on the history of the building itself.

Open from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 3.00 pm to 6.30 pm
Closed on Wednesdays.

Valluvar Kottam

Opened in 1976 in memory of the poet-saint Thiruvalluvar, Valluvar Kottam is a massive auditorium, constructed on reclaimed land from an unused lake filled with the city's garbage and debris. The auditorium can seat up to 4000 people.

All 1330 verses of the poet's epic - the Thirukkural, are inscribed on the granite pillars that surround the auditorium. The auditorium itself is not supported by any pillars!

There is a 101-feet high temple chariot structure with a life-size image of the poet in it. The base of the chariot shows in bas-relief the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural.

Over 3000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture.

Open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.
Closed on Fridays and National holidays


Aranthangi Fort

Aranthangi is the second largest town in Pudukkottai district. Aranthangi was the most populous locality in the south of the Thanjavur district till it was added to Pudukkottai. The main centre of attraction of Aranthangi is a ruined fort.

There is a unique feature about this fort; the walls are not constructed of brick or stone. Large interstices are filled with mud. There are no ruins of palaces or any other striking building inside.

No indications are found about the history of the fort, but a line of 'Tondaimans' indicates that they built the fort. Little is known about the time of the Tondaimans, a lineage of feudal chieftains who controlled this Aranthangi region of India from the 15th to the 18th century AD.

Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort, built in 16th century by Sinna Bommi Nayak, a vasal chieftain under the Vijayanagar kings,Sada Sriranga Maharaja. It is constructed of granite blocks and surrounded by a moat which is supplied by a subterranean drain fed from a tank. Later, it became the fortress of Mortaza Ali, the brother-in-law of Chanda Sahib who claimed the Arcot throne, and was taken by the Adil Shah sultans of Bijapur. In 1676, it passed briefly into the hands of the Marathas until they, in turn, were displaced by the nawab, Daud Khan, of Delhi in 1708. The British occupied the fort in 1760, following the fall of Srirangapatnam and the death of Tipu Sultan.