Tamil Tradition To Be Embraced During Historic Transport Of Sengol To New Parliament Building

On 28 May (Sunday), Prime Minister Narendra Modi will place Sengol, a symbol of India's freedom, near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the Parliament's new building.

The Sengol is a Chola-dynasty sceptre with historical significance during the transfer of power at the time of independence. In 1947, Sengol from Tamil Nadu was given to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to commemorate the transfer of power from the British.

During the Parliament building inauguration this Sunday, the Sengol will be ceremoniously transported to the site in a grand procession steeped in Tamil tradition, as per news reports.

Musicians will play the Nadaswaram, a Tamil Nadu classical instrument, at the front of the procession. PM Modi will walk with them in a spectacular display and embrace of Tamil culture.

Shaivite priests from Tamil Nadu's mutts (Adheenams) will join PM Modi in Lok Sabha as well. PM Modi will greet the priests, who will purify the Sengol with holy water. Further, as part of the ceremony, Tamil singers (Oduvars) will sing 'Kolaru Padhigam'.

The Sengol will be handed over to PM Modi for installation in a glass case near the Speaker's seat in the new Parliament building, symbolizing a new era in India's democratic history.

Notably, the ceremony will be very much similar to the one held during the transfer of power by Lord Mountbatten to PM Nehru.

It will further be a unique celebration of Tamil culture on the national stage.