As many as 40 foreign tourists from European countries, including France, participated in the Tourism Pongal Festival organised in Azhagiyanatham village under the aegis of the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department here on Sunday.
On their arrival, they were greeted by Commercial Taxes Minister M.C. Sampath, District Collector S. Suresh Kumar, Panchayat Union Chairman Manimegalai Palanisamy and others.
Folk artists exhibited their skills in the traditional cultural events such as karagattam, kavadiattam and ancient percussion instruments.
Women prepared pongal and served the sweet dish to the visitors, along with sugarcane. Women took part in a kolam competition by drawing the intricate and colourful kolam patterns. The tourists enjoyed the occasion and evinced keen interest in knowing about the reason for organising such an event. The Minister gave them mementos.
