To commemorate the primary yr anniversary of the Jallikattu protests, a competition referred to as Sempulam was held in 2018. It was helmed by Thondaimandalam Foundation — that works to maintain rural and peri-urban livelihoods within the Thondaimandalam area spanning from Tirupati to Tiruvannamalai — and Actor Karthi’s Uzhavan Foundation that helps farmer livelihoods. The two-day occasion introduced collectively farmers who promoted natural farming strategies, and the honest showcased native cattle breeds of Tamil Nadu.
A cultural efficiency at a previous version of the competition
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Special Arrangement
Last yr, the fest returned as Sempozhil (which means a flourishing grove in crimson soil, in tamil) and was held on a much-larger scale as a three-day occasion with artiste performances, native meals, and extra. “We wanted to organise a rural fest celebrating organic farming, sustainable living and showcasing native livestock as a mark of gratitude to people for supporting the campaign,” says Himakiran, managing trustee at Thondaimandalam Foundation. “Sempulam means ‘fertile lands’. We wanted to create a larger canvas for the festival and hence changed the name to Sempozhil. ‘Sem’ is from semmai which means fertile, and ‘pozhi’l means a garden, forest, or a large landscape,” he explains.
This yr, Sempozhil will probably be held for 4 days and in a far bigger format. “This year, we have content in the six themes of food, clothing, shelter, art, literature, and wellness. and will be presented as workshops, exhibits, and performances. The content is also tied to the ainthinais (five landscapes),” says Himakiran, who can also be the chief producer of Sempozhil.
3,000+ college youngsters will probably be attending Sempozhil as a part of organised instructional and experiential excursions
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Aimed at spotlighting the varied aspects of Tamil heritage, Sempozhil could have day by day performances by rural troupes from throughout Tamil Nadu together with Therukoothu, Paraiattam, Oyilattam, Bommalattam, amongst others; an area devoted to native seeds, heritage crops; thematic installations; play areas for kids; amongst different options. The spotlight, nonetheless, is the cattle expo that can convey collectively over 40 native animal breeds of Jallikattu bulls, sheep, goats, canine, horses, and poultry.
The cattle expo will convey collectively over 40 native animal breeds
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Special Arrangement
For the occasion, Himakiran says the group has collaborated with Alliance Francaise of Madras for the workshops, Tamil Nadu Iyarkai Uzhavar Kootiyakkam for the meals and seed displays, Anubavi for curating the humanities performances, reveals and workshops. First-time artwork types at Sempozhil embrace Thiruvannamalai periyamelam, dabbakuthu, silambattam, to call a couple of. “Over 1,000 farmers and 150 performing artistes, primarily from rural and tribal belts, are participating in the show,” he says, including that 3,000+ college youngsters can even be attending Sempozhil as a part of organised instructional and experiential excursions.
Sempozhil could have day by day performances by rural troupes from throughout Tamil Nadu together with Therukoothu, Paraiattam, Oyilattam, Bommalattam
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Special Arrangement
Curating an occasion at such a scale has its personal share of challenges. “Someone who loves the arts might not necessarily like livestock. Someone who likes farming might not be interested in exhibits. These are perceptions and pre-conceived notions that are the hardest to deal with. The urban vs. rural divide is artificial and we truly believe that there is a child in every adult and a villager in every urbanite,” says Himakiran.
Children at an earlier version of the competition
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Special Arrangement
For somebody attending the occasion for the primary time, what does the group advocate they do? Himakiran says studying about seed range, and our livestock must be on their agenda, together with savouring conventional millet and rice-based natural meals. “You could attend one of the many workshops happening as a run up to the event until August 22, and also witness one of the four livestock shows that will make people be amazed by the hard work needed in rearing livestock,” he says. A style present that includes 2,000 years of Tamil attire can even be held and it’ll function up to date Madras streetwear.
From August 21-24 at YMCA, Nandanam. Tickets on sempozhil.org/
