Kashi Tamil Sangamam is far more than a cultural festival; it is a profound civilisational reunion between two of India’s oldest centres of knowledge, spirituality and tradition. The relationship between Kashi and Tamil Nadu stretches back thousands of years, woven through spirituality, temples, literature, philosophy, pilgrimage routes and trade networks. This initiative has revived that ancient emotional and cultural thread, placing it firmly in the context of a modern, united Bharat.

Thanks to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dedication of Dharmendra Pradhan, and the cultural stewardship of Yogi Adityanath, Kashi Tamil Sangamam has emerged as one of contemporary India’s most significant cultural initiatives.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam has become a flagship example of the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Modi’s conviction is clear: India’s cultural unity is far older and far stronger than any political divide, and the rediscovery of these civilisational bonds is essential for building a confident and united nation. His belief that Bharat is one cultural family lies at the heart of this initiative.

It was during 2022 the tenure of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Minister of Education and Skill Development that this programme took shape and gained national momentum. His dynamic leadership, organizational strength and scholarly commitment ensured that Kashi Tamil Sangamam would not remain a symbolic event but grow into a comprehensive cultural and educational movement. Under his guidance, the programme engaged universities, IITs, scholars, artists, artisans and students, giving the Sangamam unprecedented academic depth and youth participation.

The seamless execution and transformed ambience of Kashi during the programme also highlight the decisive governance of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His efforts in restoring Kashi’s heritage with modern infrastructure, renewed temple precincts and enhanced spiritual facilities ensured that visitors from Tamil Nadu experienced the city in all its traditional splendour. His administration played a pivotal role in delivering a memorable and spiritually enriching Sangamam.

Reuniting Civilisations Across Millennia

The relationship between Kashi and the Tamil civilisation is an ancient, sacred bond rooted in spirituality, scholarship, and cultural exchange. The ancient connection between Kashi and Tamil Nadu shows that Bharat has always been one cultural family. For over two thousand years, Tamil saints, scholars, and pilgrims have travelled to Kashi seeking knowledge and divine connection. Great Bhakti saints like Appar, Sambandar, and Manikkavasagar sang hymns in praise of Kashi, while Adi Shankaracharya, born in Kerala and deeply revered across Tamil Nadu, revitalised Sanatana Dharma from his base in Kashi. Tamil traders and scholars once lived near the ghats, leaving behind markers such as the Tamil Mutt, which has served pilgrims for centuries. The Kasi Viswanathar temples built in Tamil Nadu mirror the spiritual influence of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga, reflecting a shared sacred geography. Literature like Tevaram and Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam describes Kashi with deep devotion, proving how the city lived in the Tamil imagination long before modern travel. This timeless connection shows that Kashi and Tamil culture are not separate identities but two radiant streams of the same civilizational heritage.

Culturally and religiously, the connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu are remarkable. Kashi Tamil Sangamam brings these deep connections to life through dialogues, performances, traditional arts, spiritual interactions, academic exchanges and curated tours. It reveals how temple culture, dance, music, ritual worship and philosophical thought have flourished in both regions in parallel, reflecting a shared civilisational ethos.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam counters divisive narratives and restores the truth of India’s civilisational unity

The programme also serves a critical role in countering divisive political narratives. For decades, certain political forces—particularly the DMK in Tamil Nadu, Congress Party & Left Parties have attempted to frame the state as culturally disconnected from the rest of India, promoting an artificial North–South divide. Kashi Tamil Sangamam hits directly at the DMK’s core propaganda. DMK survives on the lie that Tamil Nadu is “separate” from the rest of Bharat. While DMK tries to divide India for votes, Kashi Tamil Sangamam shows the truth —Tamil civilisation is a proud pillar of Sanatan Bharat, not an isolated island. By bringing Tamil students, scholars, artists and pilgrims to Kashi, the programme breaks decades of anti-North, anti-Hindu misinformation spread by divisive politics.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam exposes how hollow those divisions are. It reminds the nation that Tamil culture and Sanatan heritage are inseparable, and that Varanasi and Tamil Nadu share spiritual, literary and cultural roots older than any political ideology.

In a broader sense, Kashi Tamil Sangamam reflects the Bharatiya Janata Party’s cultural vision, reviving India’s ancient unity, strengthening civilisational confidence among the youth, and promoting meaningful cultural integration across regions. It showcases how heritage can be a powerful instrument for national cohesion when supported by committed leadership and thoughtful planning. This initiative showcases BJP’s commitment to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat through real, meaningful cultural integration—not mere slogans.

Ultimately, Kashi Tamil Sangamam stands as a reminder that India’s diversity is not a barrier. It is a strength rooted in shared heritage. The programme has succeeded in reconnecting the North and the South, strengthening identity, promoting mutual respect, and igniting cultural awareness among the younger generation. It has transformed an age-old bond into a modern national renaissance. It reaffirms that India’s civilizational unity remains strong, vibrant and alive—and it continues to inspire a future where cultural pride becomes the foundation of national integration.

— Anil Biswal, State Spokesperson of BJP in Odisha, is a researcher and columnist exploring India’s civilizational identity, cultural revival movements, and the evolving relationship between heritage and modern governance.