Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Dec 21: District in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated the month-long Karavali Utsava on Saturday, December 21, at the Karavali Utsava Grounds, Lalbagh.
The festival, running from December 21 to January 19, commenced with a grand and colorful procession from Aloysius PU College to the Utsava Grounds.
One of the main attractions is the introduction of heli taxi services at the Maryhill Helipad from December 21 to 31. Padma Shri awardees Harekala Hajabba and Mahalinga Naik inaugurated the service, which offers a breathtaking seven-minute aerial view of Mangaluru. Led by pilot VS Malik, the service costs Rs 4,500 per person, marking the first-ever inclusion of heli tourism in the Karavali Utsava.
The festival features an array of events:
• December 28–29: Two-day-long Beach Festival at Tannirbhavi and Panambur beaches.
• December 22–January 19: Robotic Butterfly Exhibition at Kadri Park (4 PM to 9 PM).
• January 4–5: Automobile and Dog Show.
• January 11–12: Yuva Utsava at Kadri Park to encourage youth participation.
• January 18–19: International Kite Festival at Tannirbhavi Beach.
Additionally, food stalls have been set up at the Utsava grounds, and a large turnout is anticipated for this month-long celebration.
Prominent attendees at the inauguration included deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan, police commissioner Anupam Agarwal, MCC commissioner Ananda, zilla panchayat CEO Dr Anand, Tulu Academy president Tharnath Gatty Kapikady, Konkani Academy president Stanly Alvares, and Beary Academy president Umar UH, among others.