Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Oct 16: The annual ‘Goodu Deepa’ contest (Diwali Lantern-making) of Namma Kudla TV channel will be held at Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple on October 23, informed programme convenor Kadri Navneeth Shetty on Saturday October 15.

Shetty further said that the competition will be organized in three categories – traditional, modern and special. In each category, the first prize winner will bag a gold medal. Consolation prizes will also be given for each category.

Several dignitaries will grace the stage programme on the day. Former union minister Janardhan Poojary will preside. DK district in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar, Karnataka Assemly Deputy Speaker N Yogish Bhat, Canara Bank DGM Dasayya, Moodbidri Alva’s Education Foundation chairman Dr Mohan Alva among others will be the chieg guests.

Namma Kudla will also honour Dr Shantaram Shetty, vice chancellor, Nitte University by conferring him the ‘Namma Tuluver’ Award at the valedictory ceremony. ‘Namma Kudla 2011’ Award will be bestowed on dance maestro Master Vittal and the ‘Bala Prathibhe’ Award will be given to artiste Prihali on the occasion. The prizes will be distributed to the Goodu Deepa contest winners at the valedictory.

Director Mohan Karkera and Leelaksha Karkera, and Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli  were present at the press meet.

Those interesting in participating in the contest must register their names in the categories at the venue before 4:00 p.m. Participants should bring along with them all the necessary things to prepare the lanterns (Goodu Deepa).