Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)

Mangalore, Feb 27: "For the first time in the state of Karnataka, 'Panchayat Habba' a festival of the panchayat including the people of various communities was organized at the panchayat level. The credit goes to the committee of Gurupur Gram Panchayat for coming up with such a unique exposure," said Ramanath Rai, MLA here at the valedictory programme of the festival on Saturday February 25.

The two-day ‘Grama Habba' was held at the premises of Vaidyanatheshwar Temple on the theme of 'Grama Swaraja' (local governance).

The festival included various competitions for the villagers such as tug-of-war, kabbadi and many more. Cultural programmes by the villagers, depicting village life in the coastal region was part of the festival.

Deputy speaker of state legislative assembly and MLA Yogish Bhat who later spoke, lauded the committee for organizing such a programme. He also appreciated their efforts for bringing up such a festival without government funding and bearing the entire cost with the help of the village's donors.

Former minister Krishna J Palemar, Rajashekarnand Swamiji and many other dignitaries attended the function.

A rally was held from Gurupur bus stand to Falguni village, where the concourse took place.

U P Ibrahim was the organizing committee chief. Some achievers were felicitated on the occasion.