Delegates visit heritage sites, KVD mkts; attend Ganga aarti

Varanasi: The fifth batch of as many as 216 delegates mostly businessmen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry reached Varanasi to attend Kashi Tamil Sangamam on Monday night.
They were accorded a ceremonious welcome late Monday amid beats of ‘damru’ and showering of flowers petals. It was followed by beginning of their day by offering prayer at Kashi Vishwanath temple and consuming prasad at ‘Maa Annapurna Rasoi’ of KV Dham.
The delegates spent their day visiting heritage sites and markets in the vicinity of KV Dham. They boarded cruise at Sant Ravidas Ghat to enjoy the beauty of ghats and attended the Ganga Aarti. Later they reached amphitheatre of Banaras Hindu University to enjoy cultural evening.
Earlier, the cultural events on Monday evening started with shehnai recital by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan of Kashi. Performances by BHU artists and santoor recital by Kumar Sarang mesmerized the audience.
Artists from Tamil Nadu showcased Indian culture from ancient to modern times through their ‘Velu Naachiyar’ performance. Other group performed ‘Kollattam’ and ‘Kummiyattam’ (Kummi) and ‘Thappattam’.
Apart from delegates of fourth batch from Tamil Nadu and locals, UP minister of state (independent charge) for excise and liquor prohibition Nitin Agarwal, Rajya Sabha MP GK Vasan and president of the Sri Thyagabrahma Mahotsava Sabha also attended cultural evening.
As a part of Sangamam a quiz competition was also organized by Central Bureau of Communications on the theme of ‘Amrit Mahotsav of Independence’ followed by a photo exhibition.