RIYADH: Marking three decades of unwavering dedication to Tamil language, heritage, arts, literature and social harmony, the Tamil Cultural Association – Riyadh hosted its 2026 Tamil Cultural Festival on 16 October, bringing together families across generations for a vibrant celebration of cultural pride, artistic talent and community solidarity. The joyous gathering provided a cherished platform for participants, from children to adults, to highlight their abilities, strengthen their cultural roots and reaffirm their enduring affinity for Tamil identity and traditions.
Founded in 1996, when the internet and social media were still in their infancy, the Tamil Cultural Association – Riyadh began by circulating handwritten Tamil news among the community, giving expatriates a meaningful platform to voice their minds and stay connected through their mother tongue. From these humble beginnings, the Association has blossomed into a vibrant cultural movement, championing Tamil language, arts, literature, family engagement, and social welfare for three decades, while steadfastly preserving Tamil heritage and strengthening community bonds.
Reflecting this enduring commitment, the 2026 festival featured a vibrant array of traditional Tamil competitions and recreational activities, including drawing and colouring contests, Tamil-themed indoor games, talent showcases and outdoor sports, inspiring children to discover their abilities while staying connected to their cultural roots. Far more than mere entertainment, these activities fostered self-confidence, teamwork, friendship and a deeper appreciation of Tamil language and culture among the younger generation.
Education: The Cornerstone of Tomorrow
Reaffirming its conviction that education is the cornerstone of a brighter future, the Tamil Cultural Association – Riyadh honoured Class 10 students who scored above 95 marks in Tamil, celebrating their academic excellence and veneration for their mother tongue. Mr. Shahul Hameed, Deputy Secretary of the Association, emphasised the importance of nurturing future achievers who excel academically while remaining deeply rooted in Tamil language, culture and traditions, wherever life takes them.
The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from the wider Tamil community, with prominent representatives of various organisations joining families and community members in celebrating Tamil heritage and solidarity. Distinguished attendees included Mr. Muthusamy Vettrivel, President of ITFAA; Mr. Ahmad Imthias, President of TAFAREG; Mr. Arunkumar, President of the Saudi Central Region of the International Tamil Engineers Forum (ITEF); Mr. Rajadurai, President of the International Indian School Riyadh (IISR); and Mr. Alex Thiagarajan, President of the Riyadh Tamil Sangam (RTS), accompanied by members of their respective executive committees. Their presence, alongside the active participation of families and children, reflected the strength of community bonds, mutual respect and collective commitment to preserving Tamil language and culture across generations.
In his felicitation address, Mr. Leo, Secretary of the Tamil Cultural Association, emphasised that while organisations may differ, their shared affinity for the Tamil language, humanity and unity serves as a common bond. He reiterated that the Association remains committed to passing on the richness of Tamil heritage, cultural pride and humanitarian values to future generations.
Festival Coordinator Mr. Arif Abdul Salam expressed the Association’s heartfelt gratitude to NADEC and Almarai for sponsoring refreshments and to the Indian restaurant that served delectable meals from noon until night, ensuring warm hospitality for all attendees. The festivities culminated in the presentation of certificates and prizes to every participating child, followed by the national anthem. The celebration ended on a jubilant note, reaffirming the Association’s three-decade legacy of nurturing Tamil heritage, fostering community solidarity and inspiring younger generations to cherish their linguistic and cultural roots.
M Siraj
