One of the most captivating Tamil cultural celebrations in Shah Alam was Tamizh Vanna Vizha—a vibrant event that was not only festive but also rich in meaning and marked by remarkable achievements.
Held as part of Shah Alam City’s 25th Silver Jubilee celebration, Tamizh Vanna Vizha drew over 3,000 visitors from across Malaysia. The event was a collaboration between the Office of the State Assemblyman for N50 Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) – MPP Zon 13, and Sri Rathakrishnan Fine Arts.
Interestingly, the festival was originally initiated by the Chairman of MPP Zone 13, Mr. Nathindran Raj Baskaran, who partnered with Ms. Nalini Rathakris, Founder and President of Pertubuhan Kesenian dan Kebudayaan SRFA, to create something special for the Indian community—particularly in conjunction with Tamil Puthandu (Tamil New Year).
The result? A cultural celebration that was not only lively but also educational and deeply rooted in love for ancestral heritage.
Breaking a Malaysian Record
What made the event even more extraordinary was its national record-breaking feat. Tamizh Vanna Vizha was officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for having the “Most Participants in a Poetry Recitation.”
A total of 1,631 participants—including students and cultural community members from across Malaysia—recited the iconic poem Achamillai Achamillai by Mahakavi Bharathiyar in unison. The performance was not only mesmerizing, but also a powerful symbol of courage, unity, and pride in Tamil cultural identity.
Graced by Distinguished Guests
The event was further elevated by the presence of several prominent national figures. Among them were YB Senator Puan Saraswathy Kandasami (Deputy Minister of National Unity), YB Mr. Papparaidu Veraman (EXCO for Human Resources and Poverty Eradication), YB Mr. Ganabatirau Veraman (Member of Parliament for Klang), as well as representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and renowned cultural personalities.
Strong support also came from the Mayor of Shah Alam, Dato’ Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim, and YB Mr. Preakas Sampunathan, State Assemblyman for N50 Kota Kemuning.
Cultural Competitions that Engaged and Educated
In addition to its record-breaking success, Tamizh Vanna Vizha also featured a range of exciting and educational cultural competitions. These included Tamil speech contests, rangoli kolam art competitions, toranam (traditional leaf decoration) tying contests, and classical Bharatanatyam dance performances.
All these activities fostered a spirit of healthy competition while serving as a meaningful platform for preserving cultural traditions among younger generations.
A Lively Cultural Bazaar
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a vibrant cultural bazaar. Visitors enjoyed delicious traditional Tamil cuisine, shopped for elegant traditional attire, explored cultural literature, and purchased authentic handmade crafts. In short, Tamizh Vanna Vizha offered a rich and memorable experience of Tamil culture in all its colors.
A Celebration That Unites and Inspires
This event was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful moment of unity, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in a shared love for tradition. Through curated artistic showcases, diverse competitions, and national recognition, Tamizh Vanna Vizha demonstrated that cultural heritage can thrive and evolve with the times—remaining relevant and inspirational in a modern society.
This festival is a shining example of how culture can not only be preserved, but also celebrated with pride. From Shah Alam to all of Malaysia, Tamizh Vanna Vizha stands as living proof that cultural identity can be a source of strength, unity, and cross-generational inspiration.
