INTRO

2020 is a year no one will forget. Covid-19 pandemic completely took away the social contact from people which is key during golu celebrations. We partnered with BITR to kick off the golu contest with interviews from various participants. Zoom Live events were held throughout navarathri with support from Slough Tamil Sangamam & BITR. This filled the vacuum of not being able to meet face to face during golu. The contest attracted 334 entries from 16 countries. The contest was judges by eminent judges. Most Popular Golu was also chosen based on secure voting & approx 18000 votes were registered for various golus. More than the entries & the votes, we were proud & elated in bringing joy from the participants who thanked us for making their golu global. Elderly participants from small towns in India were very proud for their golu being published in the website and also broadcasted live during zoom sessions. Trophies were awarded to winners inside and outside UK.

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Encouraged by the success of golu contest in 2020, we wanted to take another celebrated Indian tradition of Rangoli/Kolam at a global level. Kolothsavam was launched in December 2020 to encourage the kolam/rangoli skills. While other similar contests focus just on Rangoli, we wanted to encourage all forms of kolam. Participants were asked to submit their entries under 5 different categories including Rangoli, Dot Kolam, Suzhi Kolam, Mana Kolam & Kolam Craft. The idea was an instant hit and the contest attracted 300+ entries from 9 countries even though it was the first year. Trophies were awarded to winners inside and outside UK. Junior participants were encouraged with Rising Star award.