Varanasi (UP): Preparations for the fifth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 5.0), which aims to strengthen the ancient cultural, spiritual and intellectual ties between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, are gaining momentum. Ahead of the main event, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is planning a series of pre-event activities to engage students, young people and residents of Varanasi. The initiatives seek to familiarise the younger generation with the shared cultural heritage, traditions and ethical values of the two regions.

The main event of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 is scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 12, 2026, across Varanasi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya. According to information available on the BHU Kashi Tamil Sangamam portal, several cultural, spiritual and creative activities will be organised across the university campus and prominent public spaces in the city ahead of the main programme.

Bhajan Clubbing and Street Plays to Highlight Cultural Heritage

As part of the pre-event activities, an evening devotional music programme, titled ‘Bhajan Clubbing’, is planned to bring together the spiritual traditions of Kashi and Tamil Nadu through devotional music. The programme is proposed to be held at the Vishwanath Temple within the BHU campus or other suitable venues.

Street plays will also be organised to showcase the shared cultural heritage, traditions and social themes associated with the two regions. Performances are proposed at the BHU Vishwanath Temple परिसर, ghats and other public locations across Varanasi, enabling wider public participation.

Rangoli and Poster-Making Competitions to Showcase Creativity

To encourage students’ creative expression, rangoli and poster-making competitions are also planned. Participants will create traditional and contemporary artworks highlighting the culture, unity and shared heritage of Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

In addition, installation art and creative exhibitions are proposed to provide students with further opportunities to showcase their artistic talent and engage with the cultural themes of KTS 5.0.

‘Run for KTS 5.0’ to Bring Citizens Together

A special initiative, ‘Run for KTS 5.0’, is also being planned to encourage participation among young people and city residents. The run will convey messages of unity, fitness and cultural connectedness. It is tentatively proposed to begin from the BHU campus and conclude at a prominent public location in the city.

Students to Explore Ethical Teachings of Thirukkural

The central theme of this year’s Kashi Tamil Sangamam is ‘Thirukkural Payilvom – Let Us Learn Thirukkural’. Under this initiative, awareness programmes are being planned to familiarise students and young people with the teachings and ethical values of Thirukkural, the ancient classical Tamil text.

Through these pre-event activities, BHU aims to ensure that Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0 goes beyond being a cultural celebration and emerges as a meaningful platform for connecting the younger generation with the centuries-old cultural, spiritual and educational bonds between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

The initiative also reflects the broader spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, promoting cultural exchange, mutual understanding and national integration through India’s diverse linguistic and intellectual traditions.