The ‘Traditional Arts Confluence’ (Paarampariya Kalai Sangamam) has emerged as an excellent platform to revive our vanishing traditional arts and hand them down to the next generation, as well as to bring forth the talents of young artistes, said Hon. Governor N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor made these remarks while speaking as chief guest, together with his spouse, at the grand ‘Traditional Arts Confluence’ organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs under the Provincial Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs and Sports – Northern Province, aimed at reviving traditional arts of the Northern Province that are fading away or becoming distorted over time. The event, held to coincide with the Nallur festival season, commenced last night (23 August 2026), and the Governor distributed prizes to students who won the competitions.
Speaking further at the event, the Governor said that art events which have been traditionally preserved must be properly organized. This event, held in the context of the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple festival that brings pride to Jaffna, was organized by the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs with the aim of developing traditional arts and providing an opportunity for children. He commended the artistes who had come with enthusiasm from all five districts of the Northern Province despite the difficulties of travelling such distances, and expressed particular thanks to the artistes and children who came from Vavuniya District to inaugurate the programmes. He noted that no art form can be advanced without enthusiasm and dedication, and stated that it was a matter of great pride that, after a long wait, songs related to the divine and vanishing art forms had been showcased here.
This arts event, which began experimentally in 2025 on the advice of the Governor, has now grown considerably with the participation of various parties. On the basis that artistes from other districts should also take part in the Confluence, yesterday’s inaugural programme was allotted to Vavuniya District.
Competitions are being held during the day for 14 traditional art forms associated with the Nallur festival: Shanmuga Keerthanam, Udukkadithu Paaduthal (Udukku drum singing), Villu Paaddu, musical drama, Kaaththavarayan Kooththu, Karagaddam, Kummi dance, Tamil music singing, folk songs, Parai music, Oyiladdam, Kavadi dance, instrumental ensemble, and Koladdam.
Prize money awarded to competition winners is as follows: first place Rs. 30,000; second place Rs. 20,000; third place Rs. 15,000; and fourth and fifth places Rs. 10,000 each.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, Mr. M. Patrick Diranjan, noted that, taking into account the gradual changes that have taken place in the ancient Tamil culture, members of the Cultural Advisory Committee of the University of Jaffna are studying how to properly conduct ritual practices such as weddings and funerals as a future plan, and that formal guidelines on this will be issued in writing soon.
This grand Arts Confluence event was attended by the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, the Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Unit, the Assistant Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Education, the Accountant, cultural officers, artistes, and members of the public.
