Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 28: MLA Raghupati Bhat inaugurated the four-day of World Tourism Day celebrations at Malpe Beach on Thursday, September 27. One of the main attractions of the celebrations is the wine festival which was inaugurated alongside.
The programme was jointly organised by Udupi district administration, Tourism department, Malpe Beach Development Committee, Youth Empowerment and Sports Department, Kannada and Culture Department, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Association of Coastal Tourism, Nirmithi Kendra and Hospitality Skill Center Manipal.
Speaking on the occasion Raghupati Bhat said, “Necessary action will be taken to develop tourist locales in the district to attract a large number of tourists. Udupi has vast scope to develop tourism. There are hundreds of temples. Tourists must feel happy as they always search spots to spend good time with family. This can be possible with cooperation of locals. It will enhance employment opportunity and economic growth. Statue of Madhawacharya at Vadabhandeshwar and Parashuram (creater of Udupi) must be installed at St Mary's Island reflecting the history of the district.”
Speaking on the occasion, zilla panchayat president Dinakar Babu said, “There are a lot of opportunities for development of tourism in the district, but we have failed to utilize it. Everyone should join hands in development of the district.”
Superintendent of police Laxman Nimbargi said, “Development of tourism will strengthen the economy, education and social development of people. Udupi is a diverse region in terms of culture, geography, food habits and many other reasons. Foreign countries give more importance to tourism. Udupi has not been influenced by western culture. It has sustained its uniqueness since 200 years. We have started promoting tourism. Let it continue the same way. This will lead to economic development of the district and generate employment.”
Udupi Fisheries Federation president Yashpal Suvarna released the ‘Best of Udupi in 48 hours’ booklet. He said, “Udupi is a temple city. There is vast opportunity to develop tourism here. The central and state governments have reserved funds for tourism development. Let us make use of it.”
C H Chandrashekhar, president, Paralympics federation, Nalini Pradeep Rao, president, taluk panchayat Udupi, Lakshmi Manju, municipal council member, Kola ward, Bhupalan, Kundapur sub divisional officer, Arun Kumar, director, Nirmithi Kendra, Manohar Shetty, president, Association of Coastal tourism, Nagaraj Hebbar, vice president ACT, Janardan, CMC commissioner, and others were present.
Anita Bhaskar, assistant director of district tourism department delivered the keynote address. Deputy director of Sports department Roshan Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering. Dr Vijayendra Rao compered the programme.
The main theme of World Tourism Day is 'Tourism and the Digital Transaction' which is aimed to encourage tourism business investment, to attain and to attract global business partners and active role of technology in sustainable tourism.
On the occasion, a wine fest is also organised for the time in Udupi. Wine lovers can try out different types of wines.
As many as 150 brands of wine companies from Karnataka and Maharashtra are participating in the event. Karnataka Wine Board Association is promoting the event.
Indian made wine brands like Diya, Madi, Raza, Cabinet Shiraz, Kadu from Karnataka, Sula Vinyas, Frattilli from Maharashtra, Block Bulk, Premium Red Wines, Grover Zampa Vineyard, Elites, Rico and many other branded wines are available here.
One of the sellers, Guruprasad said, “We are selling only Indian made products. On September 28, there will be a wine tasting session. This is the first time we have come to Udupi. We are excited to see the response from public over here. All products are pure and chemical free.”
Besides wine, there are food courts to facilitate food. Music, entertainment and cultural programmes etc are added attractions. The festival comprises creating awareness about wine grape cultivation, wine education sessions to train and encourage moderate wine consumption, wine stomping center as well wine sales.
There will be a live yoga session and demonstration programme on September 30 at 7 am at Malpe beach. As many as 2,000 students are expected to take participate in the event.
A surfing demo will be held on the same day at Malpe, Kaup, Padubidri, and Kundapur-Kodi beaches, organised in association with Surfing Federation of India.
Heritage Sail programme will be held on September 29 at 7 pm.
Cycling competition at Koteshwar and remote control air show will be held at Yuva Meridian Helipad Ground on September 30 at 7 am.
On the last day, 'Swacchatha hi Seva' programme and ‘Swacchatha Pakwad’ have been organised at all beaches.
Besides, there will be a cultural programmes on the four days which includes Yakshagana, dance (classical and non classical), Kangilu dance, Karaga Kolata, Damami dance form, music concert, Kathak dance, Light music concert, Koragas folk dance, Koragas flute and playing drums, Nage habba, dance and folk music. International and local famed artistes teams will perform.
Food fest will also be a center of attraction for foodies. They can taste sea food, chocolates, ice creams and desserts.