Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates Kamba Ramayana Parayanam in SriRangam

Union Culture & Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 18/03/2025 inaugurated the  Kamba Ramayana Parayanam in SriRangam.

The South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur under Union Ministry of Culture is coming forward with a support system for the sustenance and propagation of the Kamba Ramayana tradition of Tamil Nadu.

Kamba Ramayana is one of the most significant literary works in Tamil literature. This version of the Ramayana, composed in the 12th-13th century, stands as a unique and culturally rich adaptation of the Valmiki Ramayana. Kambar Medu, located in Therazhundur, Kuthalam Block, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of Kambar. Though once integral to Tamil cultural life, the oral tradition of reciting the Kamba Ramayana through local mandali (cultural troupes) has significantly declined. Many younger generations in Tamil Nadu are now unfamiliar with Kambar's epic, and the cultural practice is at risk of extinction.

The Union Minister Shri Shekhawat inaugurated the event at Singar Kovil Auditorium at Sri Rangam. The function will be preceded by recitals of Kamba Ramayana by various Mandalis. Members of over 50 Kamba Ramayana Mandalis and senior officials are expected to participate in the inaugural function. Presentation of Sita Kalyanam dance drama with verses from Kamba Ramayana also will be presented.

This will be followed by Kamba Ramayana recitals in various places from March 20th to 29th and a series of programs at the Kamban Medu from March 30th to April 6th, the Rama Navami day. The Governor of Tamil Nadu, who is the chairman of the SZCC, and the Finance Minister are expected to participate in these events.