Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 24: An organization formed through WhatsApp group 'Kudladagippa Kundapradar' is all set to celebrate ‘Kundapra Kannada Habba 2025’ at Ambedkar Bhavan, Urwa Stores, Mangaluru on August 3.
People originally from Kundapura who have settled in Mangaluru have formed a WhatsApp group named 'Kudladagippa Kundapradar' to preserve, celebrate, and pass on their native culture, language, and traditions to the next generation. The group has now crossed 650 members. For the past five years, the members of this group have been celebrating 'Kundapra Kannada Habba' annually during the month of Ashada. As per tradition, this year too, the “Kundapra Kannada Habba 2025” will be held from 9 am to 7 pm. The event was announced by the organizing committee’s secretary, Likhitha Shetty Boodadi.
The celebration will begin at 9.30 am with various traditional rural games and competitions, including three-legged race, coconut leaf weaving, aiming with cashew seeds, rangoli, flower garland making, and other cultural contests. The sports event will be inaugurated by Dr Ravish Thunga, president, Manasvini Thunga Family Trust, Mangaluru.
In connection with the Kundapura Kannada Habba, a writing competition titled 'Asaadi Odr Nudi Theru' focusing on the uniqueness of Kundapura’s deities and traditions has been organized. To engage the youth, an 'Asaadi Festival Reels' competition will also be held.
From 2 pm onwards, cultural programs will be presented by group members, including plays, skits, and dance performances. Additionally, a special entertainment show 'Gauji Gammat' will be performed by Kalanjali Kala Team Brahmavar.
The formal stage programme will commence at 4 pm. The event will be presided over by Mala Shetty, president of the organizing committee 2025. Chief guests include Kishore Kumar Kundapura, president of Kalakshetra Kundapura Trust, CA S S Nayak, and Prof Balakrishna Shetty. The inauguration will be carried out by Dr Deepak Shetty Barkur, president of Kundapura Kannada Pratishtana, Bengaluru.
On the occasion, achievers from Kundapura will be felicitated, including Dr Annayya Kulal recipient of the 2025 Dr B C Roy National Award for Community Service and CA Shantharam Shetty president of Red Cross Mangaluru. Pratibha Puraskar awards will also be presented to selected students who have secured high marks in SSLC and PUC examinations.
The day will conclude with a special Kundapura cuisine dinner served at 7.30 pm.