Detail Factual Overview

Culture

• Language: Tamil (oldest surviving classical language)
• Classical Arts: Bharatanatyam (dance), Carnatic music
• Festivals: Pongal, Tamil New Year, Deepavali, Navaratri
• Temples:
  • Meenakshi Amman (Madurai)
  • Brihadeeswarar Temple (Thanjavur, UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Rameswaram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram
• Cinema: Tamil cinema or Kollywood – major industry with global reach
• Cuisine: Rice-based; dosa, idli, sambar, filter coffee