Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 28: The annual ‘Udupi Utsava - 2014-15’, organized by the local administration, got off to a vibrant start on Friday November 28 at Royal Garden Grounds.
It will be held till January 18, 2015.
The Utsava began with a colorful procession from CMC Udup to Royal Garden with tableaux and puppets.
Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math inaugurated the exhibition by lighting the lamp and blessed the gathering.
Oscar Fernandes, in his address, said, “Udupi is a hub for all things like education, entertainment, tourism, and spirituality. St Mary’s Island is one of the attractions in the city. So, it could be said that Malpe Island is the gateway to India, not Mumbai.”
He added that there is a need to focus on Udupi Market to develop it and make it shine in the world market.
People of Udupi and surrounding places along with their families enjoy this great occasion and have fun on weekends. The fest is a blend of cultural amusements and artistic ventures specially arranged to enthrall the visitors. The major attraction of Utsava is ‘Snow World’, on the 4,500 square feet ground, another attraction is aqua show, and expo of varieties of birds.
The exhibition will be open from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entry fee is Rs 30 per person and free entry to those under three years of age.
The Utsava offers you creative amusement, games, food stalls, and more than 100 shops are here to attract visitors. Nearly 60 percent of the stalls are yet to open.
Goutham Agarwal is the fest co-ordinator. P Yuvaraj, president of CMC, expects more than Rs 15 lac profit from this fest.
Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, Shrikanth Rao, CMC commissioner, Amritha Krishnamurthy, vice-president of CMC, and all the committee members were present.