Tiruvannamalai, April 19, 2026: The Kalai-vazhi Irai-mozhi (KVIM) program, a unique initiative of Deepagam, Don Bosco Catechetical Centre, reached its grand finale at Polur Parish in the Diocese of Vellore. Over three days, KVIM traveled across Tindivanam, Pondicherry, and finally Polur, weaving together folk art, catechesis, and community participation into a vibrant tapestry of evangelization.

A Mission Rooted in Culture

KVIM is built on a simple yet profound conviction: “Evangelization is possible through folk arts.” By harnessing traditional Tamil art forms—Parai, Karagam, Oyil, and street plays—the program speaks directly to the hearts of local communities, blending gospel values with cultural expression.

Stop One: Shalom Province, Tindivanam

On April 18, Deepagam’s LIGHT Club and Vyasarpadi cultural teams arrived at the Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga Novitiate. The sisters welcomed the troupe warmly, and the performances highlighted social evils through street plays. One sister remarked, “Social evils were acted out very well.” Rev. Sr. Emelda Quini, Provincial, quoting 1 Corinthians 9:16, reminded the gathering of the urgency of proclaiming the gospel. The announcement of a new Shalom Catechetical Center underscored the sisters’ commitment to evangelization through folk arts.

Stop Two: Nellithoppe, Pondicherry

That evening, Our Lady of Assumption Church hosted KVIM for nearly seventy parishioners. The program began with Parai drumming, followed by a street play titled Thadaikarkal (“Stones - False Glory, Meanness, Untouchability, Hatred, Irresponsibility - as stumbling blocks to fullness of life”), dramatizing the Samaritan Woman’s encounter with Jesus. Parishioners identified sin, dissension, inequality, and jealousy as barriers to eternal life. Fr. Jesudoss, Director of Deepagam, concluded: “We are people of resurrection, and Alleluia is our song.” Though brief, the 45-minute performance left a lasting impression, reminding the faithful of Easter’s liberating message.

Stop Three: Polur Parish Mega Event

The journey culminated on April 19 at Sacred Heart Church and DBHSS, Polur. The day began with Sunday Eucharist, followed by a flag march and hymn Ulagin Oli Neere Yesuve! (“You are the Light of the World, Jesus”), as over 300 parishioners, parents, and children lit LED lamps to welcome guests.

Parish Priest Fr. Francis Pinto emphasized faith formation rooted in resurrection, announcing Polur as a new sub-center of Don Bosco Catechetical Center. Chief Guest Rev. Msgr. John Nicholas quoted Thirukkural 393 and St. Jerome, reminding the faithful that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” He continued, “The ultimate aim of catechism is that Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life. If we have experienced Christ, we will continue to seek Him.” Guest of Honor Fr. John Christy hailed the event as a “Grand Finale,” while SURABI representatives affirmed that “the Kingdom of God has no boundary.”

Performances That Spoke to the Heart

• Multimedia Play: Deepagam LIGHT Club dramatized family shortcomings, concluding that love alone can overcome distrust and guilt.

• Karagam & Paraiyaattam: Youth from Maranodai and KVIM trainers energized the crowd with traditional dances.

• Children’s Folk Dance: Polur Sunday Catechism children performed a symbolic blend of Oyil, Karagam, and Parai to the soundtrack Vithaipodu Iraivarthai Vithaipodu (“Sow the seed of God’s Word and water it with faith”), embodying the spirit of catechesis through folk culture.

The evening closed with a patriotic dance to India is My Motherland, performed by Deepagam LIGHT Club.

A Collective Effort

The mega event was coordinated by Polur Parish, SURABI, Deepagam’s lay collaborators, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, and AICUF animators. Together, they demonstrated that catechesis is not confined to classrooms—it thrives in the rhythms of drums, the steps of dance, and the voices of children proclaiming faith through culture.

The Legacy of KVIM

From Tindivanam to Pondicherry to Polur, KVIM proved that folk arts are not relics of the past but living instruments of evangelization. As Fr. Sagayaraj of SURABI noted, “We all are into the mission of taking the Kingdom of God to each and every one through folk art.”

The KVIM journey leaves behind a powerful message: faith can be celebrated, taught, and lived through the cultural expressions of the people.