Chief Minister M.K. Stalin tries his hand at with Velu Aasan as MP Kanimozhi looks on, at the event. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday launched the annual Chennai Sangamam — Namma Ooru Thiruvizha 2026 in the city, by playing the parai drum along with parai artiste Velu Aasan in Rajarathinam stadium in Egmore, Chennai. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Stalin said Chennai Sangamam has turned into a confluence of artists. He commanded the talents of the artists who performed in the event. Mr. Stalin also congratulated Ms. Kanimozhi who has been continuously coordinating the event for the past many years. In the coming years, the DMK government would undertake more initiatives for the promotion of art and culture, Mr. Stalin said. “Tamil Nadu will win, win, win.” In line with the announcement made earlier to sanction 60 cents of land on lease for 30 years in Valayankulam in Madurai district, Mr. Stalin handed over the orders to Mr. Velu Aasan. About 1,500 artistes will take part in the cultural extravaganza scheduled to take place in 20 locations across the city between January 15 and 18. Ministers M.P. Saminathan, Ma. Subramanian, P.K. Sekarbabu, Thangam Thennarasu and T.R.B. Rajaa, and senior officials were also present. Published – January 15, 2026 12:14 am IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Conditions favourable for cessation of NE monsoon; fog to continue in A.P. Mumbai model to help build self-financing cities in Andhra Pradesh