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Culture While the spoken and written language has suffered environmental changes other features of Tamil culture remained to a large extent intact. The seasonal festivals, weddings and memorial services continue as practiced in Tamil Nadu are same as those practiced in our country. This provides sound evidence of love and respect to these cultural values and resolve to pursue them. In this respect serious efforts were undertaken by our forefathers to maintain the cultural values as set out in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil almanac produced in Tamil Nadu is still followed to date to determine auspicious time. The wedding ceremonies are auspicious and as colorful as one would see in Tamil Nadu. The Nalangu ceremony brought by our forefathers is still practiced at every wedding ceremony. Our Tamil almanac from Tamil Nadu is still consulted to determine suitable wedding dates and other dates for rituals. Rituals are still performed in accordance with the traditions set down in Tamil Nadu. Naming ceremony still continues to be done in accordance with traditions. Popular Tamil names are given to children. The dress format for men and women is identical in both countries and many other practices are still carried out in both countries such - giving gifts to families of brides, tying of the sacred wedding thali and the wearing of jewellery. The culture of sharing is common among both communities. The form of greeting is still practiced in both provinces. Music is seen as very sacred in Tamil culture and while music is still to be developed in KwaZulu-Natal , Tamil Nadu is far superior in this respect with qualifications attainable at University level. The development of music serious lacked in the province from the time of arrival of the indentured labor to date which was largely due to the lack of expertise in this field. The teaching of music was very much restricted to a practical level. Although a few South African students have completed studies at the Annamalai university , this in itself not sufficient to cope with the demand of students wanting to take up music. There are many music schools that promotes music development at the most basic level. This involves understanding the playing of music and not necessarily understanding notations of carnatic music. Most of the children have taken to playing the mirdhangam , tabla and harmonuim. Other instruments such as violin , nadaswaram , thaval and mollam are unknown .We are hoping that this is an area where development take place. The THEERU KOOTHU once a highlight among the indentured labors has completely fallen away. It was performed mostly at religious festivals by Tamils who had a sound knowledge of the art. Sadly we have seen the demise of this interesting feature among Tamils in South Africa. Most of the festivals are celebrated , some in very grand style such as the Tamil New Year celebrations. The Dance Festival and Fine Arts Festival are held every year. The Pongal Festival ( Harvest ) is celebrated in a very small scale. Go to page: [The South African Indian] [Language] Culture [Religion] |
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