Chennai: In celebration of the Pongal harvest festival, the Tamil Nadu government will host the grand ‘Chennai Sangamam – Namma Ooru Thiruvizha’ from January 14 to 18, 2026. The cultural extravaganza, showcasing the depth of Tamil heritage, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at 6 PM on January 14th at the Egmore Rajarathinam Stadium.

Marking its fifth consecutive year, the festival will transform Chennai into a vibrant cultural hub, with performances scheduled across 20 prominent locations in the city for four days. The event will feature spectacular performances by over 250 renowned artists and more than 1,500 folk artists selected from across Tamil Nadu.

Chennai Sangamam 2026 Namma Ooru Thiruvizha: Festival Venues & Schedule

Following the inauguration, daily cultural programs will be held from 6 PM to 9 PM from January 15th to 18th at the following venues:

• Besant Nagar Elliot’s Beach

• Thiruvanmiyur Beach

• Marina Beach

• Valluvar Kottam

• Semmozhi Poonga

• Royapuram Robinson Park

• Egmore Government Museum

• Rajarathinam Stadium

• T. Nagar Natesan Park

• Raja Annamalaipuram – Government Music College Campus

• Guindy Kathipara Junction

• Anna Nagar Tower Park

• Koyambedu Jai Nagar Park

• Ashok Nagar Corporation Sports Ground

• Valasaravakkam Lemac School Campus

• Jafferkhanpet Corporation Sports Ground

• Kolathur Corporation Sports Ground

• Avadi Ordnance Clothing Factory

• Pallavaram Cantonment Park

• Tambaram Valluvar Gurukulam School Ground

A Showcase of Tamil Heritage

The festival is designed as a living museum of Tamil performing arts. Audiences will witness over 50 traditional folk art forms, including Naiyandi Melam, Karakattam, Kavadiyattam, Therukoothu, Villupattu, Silambattam, Oyilattam, and various tribal dances. In a bid to promote inter-state cultural exchange, the event will also feature performances by celebrated classical and light music artists from other parts of India.

A Multi-Sensory Experience

Beyond performances, the festival will offer a complete cultural immersion. Food stalls will serve popular dishes from across Tamil Nadu, while the Poompuhar corporation will set up stalls to showcase and sell the state’s famous handicrafts. Traditional Tamil games will also be organized for public participation.

In a press release, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized the festival’s role in cultural preservation, stating it has been organized to “ensure that our magnificent regional music and art are preserved for posterity.” He has also directed all District Collectors to organize similar traditional arts festivals in every district of Tamil Nadu, reviving cultural pride and exposing the younger generation to the state’s artistic excellence.

The ‘Chennai Sangamam’ is presented by the Tamil Nadu Department of Art and Culture as a public celebration, inviting residents to participate and celebrate it as “our own family festival.”