Kashi Tamil Sangamam

• Context (PIB | IE | TH): During his two-day visit to Varanasi, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the second edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023.
• Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 was inaugurated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• It is the second edition of the initiative, to be held from December 17 to December 31.
• The first edition was organized as a part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahostsav” celebration in 2022.
• It celebrates the historical and civilisational connection between India’s North and South.
• Multi-language and braille translations of Thirukkural, Manimekalai, and other classic Tamil literature were also launched at the event.
• The Kanyakumari – Varanasi Tamil Sangamam train was also flagged off by the PM.
• BHU and IIT-Madras are knowledge partners for the event.

Historical and Cultural Connection between North-South

• As per the Brahmanda Purana, King Dasharath of Ayodhya is believed to have visited Kanchipuram to seek blessings from Amba Kamakshi.
• Story of King Parakrama Pandya of Madurai in the 15^th century constructing the Shiva temple of Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, links Kashi to the South.
• Pandyas had built the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi in southwestern Tamil Nadu, also linked to a visit to Kashi.
• Trade links between the silk cities of Varanasi and Kanchipuram were also culturally significant for people-to-people contact.