Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charn Majhi, while attending the Kashi-Tamil Sangam 3.0 event in Varanasi on Monday, emphasised that the Kashi-Tamil Sangam represents a unique symbol of Bharat’s rich cultural heritage and unity.
The Chief Minister noted that although languages, traditions, and customs vary across regions in Bharat, the shared values of love, harmony, and spiritual philosophy remain constant. He highlighted that this cultural unity distinguishes Bharat from the rest of the world. “We are all integral parts of Bharat’s Mahabharatiya cultural legacy, bound together by this consciousness,” he stated.
It is important to mention that to strengthen and promote Bharat’s cultural unity, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi initiated the Kashi-Tamil Sangam in 2022. This year, the event commenced on February 15 at Namo Ghat in Varanasi. Alongside the Chief Minister, Union Education Minister Dr Sukanta Majumdar and Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shri Anil Rajbhar were also in attendance.
The Chief Minister expressed great pride in participating in the programme, stating that Kashi and Tamil Nadu share a profound spiritual connection that spans centuries. He remarked,
“Kashi is not just a city; it is a symbol of Bharat’s eternal spiritual heritage. The Ganga flows here, imbued with the wisdom of ages, carrying stories of devotion, learning, and enlightenment. Tamil Nadu, with its classical language, rich literature, magnificent temples, and deep philosophical traditions, embodies Bharat’s timeless culture. This Sangamam, this confluence, is a testament to our nation’s unity in diversity — where different regions unite, not only in spirit but also in shared knowledge and mutual respect.”
The Chief Minister further emphasised that Odisha contributes significantly to this grand cultural heritage. He pointed out that devotees from across the country visit the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, where people of all religions and cultures come together during the Rath Yatra, reflecting Bharat’s unity in diversity.
“Odisha shares this spirit as well. Our state is home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple in Puri, which attracts pilgrims from across the country, much like Kashi. The Rath Yatra, our iconic chariot festival, mirrors the grand spiritual traditions seen in Tamil Nadu’s temple processions. Our classical Odissi dance and Tamil Nadu’s Bharatanatyam both express devotion and storytelling, transcending barriers of region and language,” he stated.
“The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is not just an event — it is a bridge between the North and South, a celebration of shared traditions and cultural harmony. It reminds us that while our languages, customs, and practices may differ, our core values of love, respect, and spirituality remain the same. This cultural integration is what makes Bharat a truly unique and vibrant nation,” he added.
Furthermore, he highlighted the unique fusion of Odissi dance from Odisha and Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, two classical art forms that transcend regional linguistic differences and convey devotional stories through classical dance.
“As we immerse ourselves in the melodies of Carnatic music, the verses of ancient Tamil poetry, the chants of Vedic hymns, and the wisdom of saints from both regions, we come to understand how interconnected our heritage is. This Sangam provides us with an opportunity to learn from one another, appreciate the richness of our differences, and strengthen the bonds that unite us,” he stated.
In concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this extraordinary initiative aimed at uniting the cultural heritage of Kashi and Tamil Nadu. He also commended the organisers for their efforts in making this cultural exchange a reality. The Chief Minister voiced his hope that this cultural and spiritual exchange would inspire future generations of Bharat to remain united and rooted in the country’s rich heritage.
Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi visited Ayodhya to have a darshan of Ram Lalla.
It is a matter of immense honor and spiritual fulfillment to visit the sacred Shreeram Temple in Ayodhya and have the divine darshan of Ramlala. On behalf of the people of #Odisha, I extend my heartfelt prayers for the prosperity, harmony and well-being of all.
May the blessings… pic.twitter.com/7hLHA2OimA
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) February 24, 2025
On this occasion, he remarked, “It is a matter of immense honour and spiritual fulfilment to visit the sacred Shreeram Temple in Ayodhya and have the divine darshan of Ramlala. On behalf of the people of Odisha, I extend my heartfelt prayers for the prosperity, harmony, and well-being of all. May the blessings of Lord Ramlalaji guide us on the path of compassion, justice, and service.”
କାଶୀ ବିଶ୍ଵନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିରରେ ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କୁ ଦର୍ଶନ କରି ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ ନେଲି। ଏହି ଅବସରରେ ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କ ପୂଜା କରିବା ମୋ ପାଇଁ ଏକ ଦିବ୍ୟ ଅନୁଭବ। ମହାପ୍ରଭୁଙ୍କ ଆଶୀର୍ବାଦ ସଭିଙ୍କ ଉପରେ ରହୁ। pic.twitter.com/TgDepulvIE
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) February 24, 2025
CM Majhi also sought blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, expressing that performing worship of Mahaprabhu on this occasion was a divine experience for him. “May the blessings of Mahaprabhu be upon everyone.”
