Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated 'Chennai Sangamam 2010' a cultural festival, on January 10, 2010, at Island Ground, Chennai.

The Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture Thiru. N. Suresh Rajan presided in the program and the introductory speech was given by Ms. Kanimozhi, MP.

About 2, 000 artistes from rural areas display their skills in folk arts in parks, streets and beaches of the city. Food-lovers can also taste various delicacies of Tamil Nadu and other states, Jegath Gasper Raj, Founder of Tamilmaiyam  said.

Folk artistes from other states such as Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have also been invited to perform in the seven-day festival, organisers added.

The audience were delighted with classical dance performances and folk dances, beating of varieties of drums, playing of Nagaswaram and Thavil and display of Silambam and other martial arts like Kalari Payitru.

Earlier, the opening ceremony was marked by a confluence of folk and classical music on the theme 'Pirappokkum Ellaa Uyirkkum'.