The ‘Village Ticket’ festival brings to Chennaiites 300 plus authentic traditional food recipes cooked with traditional techniques from 32 districts of Tamil Nadu, 30 plus parambariya performances including Mayilattam, Oyillattam, Villu Paattu, Theru Koothu, Kummi Paatu and 30 plus Namma Ooru games including Pallanguzhi, Gilli, Kabadi, Dhayam, Bambaram, Goli and Raatinam. All these and more in a picturesque village setting, complete with open courtyards, sit-outs known as Thinnai, Potti Kadai, Tea kadai, bullock carts, Panchayat model, will bring alive the wholesome experience of village life for all the visitors.
The honouring, rewarding and felicitating of farmers for their positive impact through traditional farming methods and recognition of village artists, who have treasured the traditional art forms of the village and the cooks who have so passionately retained the diverse spice and flavour of the roots, are to be part of the festival.
This mega carnival is a gateway for the present generation of city born youngsters to know, learn and experience the rich cultural heritage and traditional practices of villagers in Tamil Nadu feels Mr. Hemachandran, founder and CEO of Brand Avatar. “The four-day event will be an eye-opener in many ways, giving insights into the myriad agricultural practices, healthy food habits and over all lifestyle followed by our grandfathers and forefathers. Also it offers the farmers opportunity to showcase their produce free of cost and meet and interact with their end consumers directly”, he says. Stalls will be allocated to farmers entirely free of cost to market their products.
Kuppan, a farmer from the Kanchipuram district is humbled to have got this opportunity. “To showcase the village culture and lifestyle in the busy city life is indeed wonderful, I am very happy farming here in the city because people here get to witness the farming process and what goes behind growing and harvesting the fresh produce.”, he says.
Appreciating the wholesome efforts behind an event like ‘Village Ticket’, the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association Joint Movement President, Mr. P.K. Deivasigamani emphasised the need for reaching out to the youngsters and educating them on the importance of agriculture and farming. “Every city dweller who works in IT companies must also understand the hardships and hard work that every farmer puts in for the sake of producing food for millions and take up farming as part of their lives”, he said.
The need for reaching out to the youngsters and educating them on the importance of agriculture and farming gains significance in today’s ruthlessly urbanising world. People living in cities must understand the hardships and hard work that every farmer puts in for the sake of producing food for millions. Village Ticket will definitely be an eye-opener as it is themed around the core of Village culture - Uzhavar, Unavu and Unarvu.
K. Pandiarajan, Minister for Tamil Official Language, Tamil Culture and Archaeology inaugurated the event on Thursday showcasing the pride and splendour of Tamil Nadu’s village culture. ‘Village Ticket’ Uzhavar Unavu Unarvu is being held at Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women, Chennai. Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Pro Chancellor, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology also participated in the launch event.
