Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Latest news from and about the homeland

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A commemorative event honouring artists whose works contributed to the Tamil liberation struggle was held in Switzerland with the 11th edition of the Ezhuchikkuyil 2026 Tamil Eelam patriotic song competition. The event, held in the Canton of Bern on May 8, 9, 23 and 24, paid tribute to 72 artists whose songs and artistic contributions were associated with the Tamil liberation movement. Floral…

Tamil Canadians donate over 18,000 lbs of food in Thiyagi Thileepan Food Drive

In collaboration with several other Tamil Canadian organizations, the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action (TCCCA) donated 18,792lbs of food in their second annual Thiyagi Thileepan Food Drive. 

Eelam Tamil music artiste Varna Rameswaran passes away

Renowned Tamil Eelam playback singer and musician Rameswaran Varnakulasingam (popularly known as ‘Varna Rameswaran’) passed away in Canada last month, after contracting COVID-19.

Varna passed away on 25th September 2021, at the age of 52.

Tamil Society launched in University of Glasgow

"The tiger has always been an integral part of Tamil history."

 

Tamil students at the University of Glasgow have launched its first Tamil society, marking a spread of the vibrant Tamil student culture which already exists in England to another European country. 

Nachimar Temple chariot festival celebrated in Jaffna

The annual Nachimar Kovil chariot festival took place today in Vannarpannai, Jaffna as devotees flocked to worship goddess Kamatchi Ambal, ensconced in her iconic chariot.  

Legendary Tamil actor and comedian Vivek passes away

Celebrated Kollywood actor and comedian Vivek passed away in the wee hours of Saturday aged 59. He was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai on Friday due to a sudden cardiac arrest and succumbed to it on Saturday. 

Tamil actors, politicians and the general public flooded to Vivek’s residence in the neighbourhood of Virugambakkam to pay their last respects where he lay in state. 

Tamil Puthandu observed in the North-East

The Tamil New Year, which falls on the first day of the month of Chithirai in the Tamil calendar, was celebrated across the Tamil homeland on Wednesday, April 14.

With some referring to the April festival as an exclusively Hindu and sanskritised holiday, there is debate among Tamil communities as to whether the day truly represents a Tamil New Year.

Maha Shivaratri celebrated in Mullaitivu and Mannar under Sri Lankan military surveillance

Maha Shivaratri poojas took place in Mullaitivu and Mannar temples amidst the presence of Sri Lankan police, army and special forces this month.

Shivaratri events were carried out with special hygiene practices in line with the island’s coronavirus health guidance.

A R Rahman launches new music initiative with host of Eelam Tamil artists

Famed music composer A.R. Rahman has teamed up with Oscar and Grammy-nominated artist M.I.A. and an array of Tamil artists around the world to launch 'maaja', a project to support and amplify the voices of independent artists. A.R Rahman hopes to 'elevate the world class talent' to a global stage.

Tamil Eelam celebrates Thai Pongal

Thai Pongal was celebrated across the Tamil homeland this morning, with festivities taking place despite bouts of flooding, coronavirus restrictions and a continued heavy Sri Lankan military presence.

Pongalo Pongal! Tamil harvest festival marked around the world

Tamils around the world marked Thai Pongal, the traditional Tamil harvest festival, today as celebrations shone despite coronavirus restrictions.