Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 21: Scores of children from schools across the district had an eventful day on Saturday November 21 as the two-day Children's Festival organized by the district administration got under way at Pilikula Biological Park here. The event is being held to commemorate Children's Day, the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
The event began with a colourful procession consisting of music bands, scouts and guides and children dressed in costumes depicting the country's freedom fighters. About 2,000 children were part of the vibrant procession.
Young Panchami Maroor, who was recently awarded by the President of India for her achievements, inaugurated the event by releasing balloons into the air, in the presence of sports minister Abhaychandra Jain, district Kannada Sahitya Parishat president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Pilikula Nisargadhama executive director Prabhakar Sharma, director Jayaprakash Bhandary, Regional Science Centre director Dr K V Rao and others.
Deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim said that the festival has been organized with a view to entertain the children. About 45,000 children are expected to flock to the event over the two days, he said, adding that the response on the first day was beyond all expectations.
Cultural programmes were held at three venues in Pilikula simultaneously. Also, artworks and cartoons created by children were displayed in an exhibition.
Another attraction of the event was display of replicas of famous monuments of the world, from White House to India Gate, Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Qutub Minar, Gol Gumbaz, Pyramids, Mysore Palace, London Bridge, statue of Swami Vivekananda and many more. A number of events like kite flying, paper model making, treasure hunt and cycle circus kept the students entertained throughout, apart from a number of amusement rides and a 3D presentation.
An exhibition of vintage cars and bikes along the stretch from the Pilikula zoo to amphitheatre was another highlight of the event.
With an aim to spread awareness among children, self-help groups, women's groups and other organizations set up stalls at the venue.
Thousands of children accompanied by teachers were brought to the venue in about 400 vehicles. Each student was given special coupons, ice cream, cap and a variety of eatables.
The festival will be open till Sunday November 22 evening.