The Tamil diaspora of North America, mark your calendars for the most anticipated cultural event of the year! The Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) is proud to present its 39th Annual Tamil Convention, taking place on July 2, 3 and 4, 2026, at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, Edison, NJ. This is not just a convention, it is a celebration of Tamil identity, pride, language, and community on American soil.
About FeTNA
FeTNA is a registered, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1987 by five Tamil organizations: Tamil Association of Delaware Valley, Tamil Sangam of Washington and Baltimore, New York Tamil Sangam, Ilankai Tamil Sangam, and Harrisburg Tamil Sangam. Today, FeTNA represents 71 Tamil organizations based in America and Canada, and its annual convention has been held every year since 1988 during the 4th of July weekend, in a different city each year.
FeTNA helps preserve and promote Tamil language, culture, and heritage among the Tamil diaspora in North America, fosters a sense of community and belonging among Tamils living far from their homeland, and supports educational initiatives such as sponsoring Tamil scholars and establishing Tamil chairs in universities.
Glimpses of Past Conventions
FeTNA's legacy of bringing the Tamil community together spans nearly four decades. Some memorable past editions include:
FeTNA 2025 (38th Annual Convention) held at the Raleigh Convention Center, North Carolina, brought together more than 3,000 members of the Tamil diaspora and closed with a high-energy concert by renowned Tamil music director D. Imman.
FeTNA 2024 (37th Annual Convention) was held in San Antonio, Texas, from July 3 to 7, serving as a powerful tribute to Tamil heritage, culture, and community.
FeTNA 2017 was held at the Minneapolis Conference Center and celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of legendary theater personality Sankaradas Swamigal, regarded as the father of Tamil theater art.
FeTNA 2009, hosted in Atlanta, was a landmark edition organized entirely by dedicated volunteers and proved to be a massive community success.
The 2026 Convention - What to Expect
This year's convention is themed around two historic milestones: the 1000th victory anniversary of Raja Raja Cholan's "Kadaram" conquest and the 150th birth anniversary of Maraimalai Adigal, the pioneer of the Pure Tamil movement. The three-day programme is packed with culture, competition, music, and meaningful dialogue:
July 2nd
FeTNA International Tamil Entrepreneur Network (FiTEN)
FeTNA International Film Festival (FeIFF) and Star Night Dinner
FeTNA International Sports Tournament (FiST)
Vaagai Soodi Competitions
July 3rd
Grand Rajendra Cholan Therukoothu performance
Kaviyarangam, Dance, Drama and various cultural events
Vaagai Soodi Competitions Award Ceremony
Parallel sessions on Tamil literature and history
July 4th
Grand Cultural Parade
Mega Music Concert by GV Prakash
Vivatha Medai, Global Tamil Hour, Literature Quiz Show
Parallel sessions on various topics
What Makes This Convention Unique
A spectacular mega music concert headlined by celebrated composer and singer GV Prakash Kumar
The FeTNA International Film Festival (FeIFF), bringing Tamil cinema to the global stage
Competitions including Vaagai Soodi, Kural Theni and Tamil Theni celebrating Tamil language excellence
All registrations (Sponsor, Donor and Regular) include food for July 3rd and 4th
Register now at fetna-convention.org and be part of this glorious celebration of Tamil culture, language, and heritage!
