News: Shivaprasad Vakwady
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi

Udupi, Nov 26: 'Udupi Utsava', a unique entertainment and exhibition held in collaboration with south India’s biggest consumer fair organiser, the National Consumer Fair (NCF) began on Friday November 25 at the Royal Garden grounds here. The event was inaugurated by president of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje.

Addressing the gathering, Meenakshi said, "From the last two years, we have been successfully organizing this fair with the cooperation of the district administration. This is one of the centres of entertainment for youths and children in the district. I hope this will be earn even greater success in the coming days with the support of people."

Speaking to media persons, CMC commissioner D Manjunathayya said, "It is not only a fair for entertainment but also a platform to gain knowledge. People will appreciate the fair if they get quality products at lesser prices."

Goutham Agarwal, organizer and head of National Consumer Fair said, "This is the ninth year that we are organizing this fair in Udupi. We are very happy with the support shown by the people of Udupi. This year also we expect the same kind of crowd and support from the people. Ban on Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes will not affect us. We are accepting the banned notes during the fair."

The speciality of Udupi Utsava is the ‘Selfie Gallery’ which has been introduced for the first time in India. As many as 27 paintings and artworks have been put on display. One can take interesting selfies with portraits of former President of India the late Dr Abdul Kalam, US President Barrack Obama, or get 'eaten' by a 'shark' or become the taget on a giant dart board. The fair opens at 4 pm and closes by 9 pm every day till January.

The fair has been especially designed keeping in mind the needs of children and youths of all age. Automobiles, household items, electronic items, handlooms, readymade clothes, decorative items, calendar photos, gold ornaments, different types of corn, dosa stalls and so on are part of the fair.

The Italian toratora, break-dance, dragon train, 3D shows, titanic, zigzag boating, electronic train, dragon slide, haunted house, cater pillar and other items will definitely attract children.