Poster
Tamil Heritage Month 2025:
Celebrating Tamil Arts & Honouring Tamil Artists
What does the official poster for Tamil Heritage Month 2025 represent?
The poster, designed by Srutika Thevarajah with artwork by Jeeva Nathan, beautifully encapsulates the diversity of Tamil arts. The central design features the Tamil script “தமிழ்” integrated with depictions of traditional Tamil art forms. It portrays two individuals—one male and one female—symbolizing the unity and shared heritage of Tamil culture.
Surrounding them are various art forms, including Bharatanatyam, Silambam, Nadaswaram, and Palm Leaf Manuscripts, each reflecting the core pillars of Tamil culture: literature, music, and drama (Iyal, Isai, Natakam).
Key art forms highlighted in the poster, and what they represent:
Sithanvasal Painting (சித்தன்னவாசல் ஓவியம்)
An Ancient frescoes in Tamil Nadu’s Sithannavasal caves, depicting vibrant Jain-themed art with natural pigments.
Kalidas – The First Tamil Talkie (காளிதாஸ் – முதல் தமிழ் பேசும் படம்)
Released in 1931, Kalidas was the first Tamil-language sound film, marking a milestone in Tamil cinema history.
Stage Drama (மேடை நாடகம்)
An A live performance tradition blending storytelling, music, and acting, often portraying social or historical themes..
Thanjavur Doll (தஞ்சாவூர் பொம்மை)
Handcrafted, colorful bobblehead dolls from Thanjavur, famous for their unique swaying motion.
Palm Leaf Manuscript (ஓலைச்சுவடி)
An Ancient handwritten texts on treated palm leaves, preserving Tamil literature, medicine, and astrology.
Dummy Horse Dance (பொய்க்கால் குதிரை ஆட்டம்)
A vibrant folk dance where performers wear dummy horses, depicting warrior traditions in festivals.
Kanchipuram Handloom Silk (காஞ்சிபுரம் கைத்தறி பட்டு)
An Luxurious silk sarees handwoven in Kanchipuram, renowned for intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Bharatanatyam (பரதநாட்டியம்)
A classical Indian dance form originating in Tamil Nadu, combining expression, rhythm, and storytelling.
Parai Drum (பறை)
An One of Tamil Nadu’s oldest percussion instruments, played in festivals, ceremonies, and protests.
Karagattam (கரகாட்டம்)
A folk dance performed with decorated pots balanced on the head, praising rain gods and village deities.
Nadaswaram and Thavil (நாதஸ்வரம், தவில்)
The Nadaswaram, a traditional wind instrument, and the Thavil, a percussion instrument, are integral to South Indian temple ceremonies and weddings. Revered for their cultural and spiritual significance, these instruments create a unique and harmonious sound that is deeply embedded in Tamil heritage and rituals.
Silambam (சிலம்பம்)
An ancient Tamil martial art focusing on stick fighting and agility, still practiced for fitness and self-defense.
Folk Theatre (கூத்து)
An Traditional Tamil theatre blending song, dance, and dialogue, often performed in village festivals.
Carnatic Music Concert (கச்சேரி)
A classical South Indian music tradition emphasizing intricate ragas and devotional themes.
Martial Art Varmam (வர்மம்)
A Tamil martial art focusing on pressure points for healing and combat, rooted in ancient Siddha medicine.
Bow Song (வில்லுப்பாட்டு)
A folk storytelling art where tales are sung to the rhythmic strumming of a bow-shaped instrument.
Sculpture Art (சிற்பக்கலை)
Exquisite stone and bronze sculptures, especially seen in Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples.
Yazh (யாழ்)
An ancient string instrument resembling a harp, celebrated in Tamil literature for its melodic tones.
Why is Tamil Heritage Month important?
This month is an opportunity for Tamil Canadians and the broader community to appreciate Tamil arts, history, and contributions. It helps preserve Tamil culture while fostering a sense of identity and pride among future generations. Follow our social media pages to stay updated on various events and activities throughout Tamil Heritage Month and beyond, as we continue to celebrate and honour Tamil heritage together.