Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore (MB)

Mangalore, Oct 20: A forty-day Mangalore Festival called 'Kudlotsava-2006' will begin on the exhibition grounds next to Mangala stadium in the city on Friday, October 20.

Being held under the auspices of Navodaya Gram Vikas Charitable Trust, the festival is aimed at creating awareness about economic self-reliance among self-help groups (SHGs).

The event will incorporate a state-level exhibition-cum-sale of products made by SHGs, spread over a row of 50 stalls.

State's Third Finance Commission chairman A G Kodgi will inaugurate the festival. Karnataka State Cooperative Apex Bank president M N Rajendra Kumar will preside over the inaugural function.

District's deputy ommissioner M Maheshwar Rao, superintendent of police B Dayananda, Apex Bank MD G V Kongwad and others will be among chief guests.

Sandalwood star Damini will inaugurate the cultural programme, in which star Arjun will also take part.