Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 to Begin on December 2, 2025

The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with multiple ministries and institutions, will organise the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) from December 2 to December 10, 2025. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of national integration through cultural exchange, the initiative celebrates the civilisational, spiritual, and linguistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi).

Held under the banner of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, this year’s event is themed “Learn Tamil – Tamil Karkalam”, promoting Tamil language learning and deeper inter-cultural understanding between the two regions.

Civilisational Roots: Tamil Nadu and Kashi

Tamil Nadu and Kashi, two of India’s most ancient cultural hubs, share a rich and intertwined heritage dating back centuries through trade, religion, literature, and spiritual migration. Historical connections spanning Chola, Chera, Pandya, Pallava, Chalukya, and Vijayanagara dynasties reinforced Kashi as a spiritual centre for Tamil pilgrims and scholars.

The Kashi Tamil Sangamam acts as a living platform to reignite these historical ties and foster unity through people-to-people interaction, shared learning, and traditional knowledge systems.

KTS 4.0: What to Expect

Delegates and Participation

Over 1,400 delegates from Tamil Nadu will participate across seven thematic categories,

• Students
• Teachers
• Writers and Media Professionals
• Agriculture and Allied Sectors
• Professionals and Artisans
• Women
• Spiritual Scholars and Practitioners

These delegates will undertake an 8-day immersive journey visiting Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, engaging in seminars, heritage walks, cultural performances, and academic interactions.

Key Sites in Kashi for Delegates

Delegates will explore prominent Tamil heritage locations in Kashi, including,

• Kedar Ghat
• Kasi Matham and “Little Tamil Nadu” area
• Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar’s ancestral home
• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Mata Annapurna Temple
• Tamil Department, BHU for literary and scholarly dialogue

Major Initiatives Under KTS 4.0

1. Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition

Launching on 2 December 2025 from Tenkasi, this cultural vehicle yatra retraces the ancient path from Tamil Nadu to Kashi, celebrating the Pandyan ruler Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan who symbolised the unity of Indian civilisation by establishing Tenkasi (Dakshin Kashi).

This expedition will highlight contributions from various Tamil dynasties and showcase Tamil literature, Siddha medicine, and shared temple traditions.

2. Tamil Teaching in Varanasi Schools

Under the campaign “Tamil Karkalam”, 50 Tamil teachers proficient in Hindi will teach the Tamil language in schools across Varanasi, making classical Tamil more accessible to North Indian students and promoting linguistic diversity.

3. Tamil Learning Tour for Uttar Pradesh Students

300 college students from Uttar Pradesh will embark on a 15-day Tamil immersion programme in Tamil Nadu. Organised by the CICT Chennai, this programme includes orientation, cultural exposure, and academic tours showcasing Tamil Nadu’s heritage and institutions.

Organising Institutions and Government Collaboration

The event is being coordinated by IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and supported by several ministries, including,

• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Tourism
• Ministry of Textiles
• Ministry of MSME
• Ministry of Food Processing Industries
• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
• Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation
• Government of Uttar Pradesh

This multi-agency collaboration ensures a diverse, educational, and experiential programme for participants and spectators alike.

Registration and Selection Process

Delegate Registration

• Portal: https://kashitamil.iitm.ac.in
• Deadline: 8:00 PM on 21st November 2025
• Selection Quiz: 23rd November 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tamil Learning Tour Registration

• Portal: https://kashitamil.bhu.edu.in
• For: Selection of 300 students from UP for Tamil learning tour