Daijiworld media network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Dec 22: "Pilikula Habba, organised by the district administration for unifying the diverse communities through various cultural programmes will be held from December 24 to 27." This was informed by the director of Pilikula Nisargadhama, Prabhakara Sharma.

Addressing media persons at the press club on December 18 he said that this unique programme has been organized to conserve the rich heritage of the land.

Speaking on the occasion, the president of the Thulu Sahitya Academy, Janaki Brahmavar said, "On December 24, the program will be co-organized by the Thulu Sahitya Academy. Traditional games like lagori, coconut hitting etc will be organized for the public while the thulu folklore magic from Kudroli Ganesh and team will be the main event of the day."

Speaking on the occasion, the president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy said, "Konkani Sahitya Academy will co-host the programmes scheduled for December 25. Even though Konkani is the language spoken by people of three religions, due to the Christmas festivities importance has been given to the traditional way of celebrating Christmas. The attractions of the day are a grand Christmas crib, Santa Claus with a band set, carol singing in Konkani, English, Thulu and Kannada."

"A volleyball tournament for the people of Dakshina Kannada district will also be organized in association with the district volleyball association on the same day. These will begin from 8.30 am onwards," he added.

"On December 26, Byari Sahitya Academy along with Are Bhashe academy will co-host the event while on December 27, Kodava Sahitya academy along with Kalkura Pratishtana and Nisarga Foundation will be the co-hosts," Sharma said.

"On all four days, a huge iconic cake will be exhibited along with a traditional food festival which includes cake, kuswar and other Christmas delicacies. A quiz competition and a grand procession by the co-hosts will also be part of the programme."

Registrar of Thulu Sahitya Academy Chandrahas Rai, Pradeep Kalkura of Kalkura Foundation, Suresh Babu were present at the press meet.

The president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy distributed Christmas delicacies to those present.