Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Dec 23: It was a grand display of culture and tradition as the annual 'Karavali Utsav' began on a high note here on Tuesday December 23.

'Karavali Utsav' kicked off with a colourful procession, flagged off by veteran theatre artiste Sadananda Suvarna at Nehru Maidan.

The procession passed through Hampankatta, KS Rao Road, Navabharat Circle, PVS Circle, MG Road and culminated at Karavali Utsav Maidan.

The procession, comprising over 73 professional troupes from across the state, included tiger dance, tableaux, Gombe Kunita, Duff, Yakshagana, Kolata, martial arts stunts, chande and much more, all of which represented the culture and essence of Tulunadu. There were also fire personnel and team representing India Post.

The procession for the first time blended Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy and Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy.

N Vinaya Hegde, chairman of Nitte Education Trust along with Dakshina Kannada district in-charge and minister for forest, environment and ecology B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Karavali Utsav at Karavali Utsav Maidan and Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo presided over the function.

Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim welcomed the guests and said, "DK is far ahead in education, medicine, banking etc compared to other districts. We can proudly can say that we are from Mangaluru. But these days, Mangaluru is getting known for the wrong reasons like communal tensions rather than for good things. The recent communal clash (at Ulaibettur) was indeed a dark spot on our image. We have to live in peace, harmony and brotherhood rather than fight over small issues."

After lighting the lamp, in his inaugural address N Vinaya Hegde said, "I thank God for this opportunity. I am unhappy with the way DK is moving ahead. As the deputy commissioner said, we are fighting over small issues and giving them communal colour. Many leaders have worked and made DK proud of their achievements. The entire district should not be given any tags because of small issues that happen in some part of it. I wish that everyone has a good time and lives in brotherhood and enjoys the Utsav."

District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai said, "This years's Karavali Utsav will be a unique and memorable one. Dakshina Kannada is known for the celebration of festivals. The coastal region has the potential to become a popular tourist hub in future. Karnataka government is ready to give all support and for the Karavali Utsav it has already given Rs 50 lac. We have to win the world with love and not by hatred. My prayer to god is all should live in harmony and brotherhood always."

In his presidential adderss MLA J R Lobo said, "It is the 15th Karavali Utsav. we began our journey in 1999. This is an opportunity to showcase our talents and Infrastructure to investors. We have to create a freindly atmosphere for tourism. We have many educational institutions but not a safe environment due to communal tensions. Parents do not feel safe to send their childen to Mangaluru. We have to be visionaries and think of the future. Let us denounce communal fights and concentrate on developing this region."

Manohar Prasad compered the programme.

There will be cultural programmes and exhibition at the Utsav Ground during the course of the event till January 1, while special cultural programmes are slated to be held at Kadri Park.

Beach and food festival will commence at Panambur beach on December 24 with a kite show by Team Mangalore. Competitions in traditional boat rowing, sand sculpture, beach volleyball, beach cricket, skating for children, adventure skiing, boating and food stalls with exclusive Tulunadu, Kodava, Uttar Kannada, Kerala and Gujarati dishes will be the highlights of nine-day beach festival. Training in surfing will be held on Sasihitlu-Mulky river. Special cruise for visitors will be arranged during the festival at Gurupur river.

Cultural programmes including classical dance, Hindustani music, Carnatic music, talamaddale, mandolin recital, bansuri-sitar jugalbandi, semi-classical Kannada, Tulu songs and magic show will be held at Kadri Park in the evenings from December 23 to January 1.