Seychelles Tamil Mandram hosts Aadi Festival 2023 |11 October 2023
The Seychelles Tamil Mandram recently hosted its much-anticipated annual event, the Aadi Thiruvizha (Festival), at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS).
Aadi is a significant month in the Tamil calendar, celebrated by Tamils worldwide for its scientific and religious importance.
It marks the commencement of the monsoon season, a crucial time for farmers as it heralds a rapid rise in water levels due to the onset of the monsoon rains.
For Tamil people, who hold deep reverence for nature as the sustainer of life, this festival is an expression of gratitude towards the bounties of nature, with the belief that it will shower them with abundant blessing.
The event showcased the rich culture and ethnicity of the Tamil community in Seychelles. The festivities commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp by invited female guests, followed by a welcome dance performed by ArthiKalidasan.
A. Subramanian, chairman of the Seychelles Tamil Mandram, took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who play a pivotal role in supporting the Seychelles Tamil School and the association's activities.
The children under 10 years of age participated enthusiastically in a fancy dress parade and various other cultural activities, while students and teachers from the Seychelles Tamil School showcased their talents in music, drama, and dance, providing a glimpse into the depth of talent within the community.
The event also marked the decennial celebration of the Seychelles Tamil School, bringing together present and former students and teachers.
Members of the Tamil community also showcased their singing and dancing skills.
The winners of the Thiruvalluvar Cup Kabaddi Tournament, held on August 15, 2023, were honoured with trophies and cash prizes. The Shreeji Group received the runner-up trophy along with a cash prize of R3000, while the Ram and Ram Group emerged as the winner, receiving the winner's trophy and R5000 in cash. Team Murattu Kalaigal secured the third position and received SR 2000 in recognition of their performance.
In addition to the sporting achievements, the Aadi festival featured various competitions held on September 16, 2023, at Seychelles Tamil School (English River secondary school). These included drawing, rice rangoli, essay writing, memory games, throw ball, coin collecting race, and ‘Yes or No’ contests, catering to participants of all ages. The event also took the time to acknowledge and honor the judges who presided over these competitions.
Dr Sasikumar Subramanian, the secretary of the organisation, extended heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors, including the Ram and Ram Group companies for sponsoring dinner for the event attendees, the dedicated teachers of the Tamil school, coordinators, and choreographers who prepared the children for the cultural activities. The English River secondary school was recognized for providing the venue, and special gratitude was expressed to the ICCS management, as well as all the participants and volunteers whose unwavering support contributed to making this event a resounding success.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the various activities held for the Aadi Festival.
Compiled by Vidya Gappy
Photos: Contributed
