Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 20: No other place would have provided a perfect setting for holding such a beautiful festival. On one side, Arabian Sea provided a unique background by its majestic presence and echoing sound created by huge waves. On the other side of the sea was a huge crowd that was thrilled at the sight of colourful kites soaring in the sky, giant wheel and other such games, various stalls which sold everything, and joints which provided eatables and drinks. To top it all, boating arrangements were also provided to those interested in sea surfing.

All these were visible at the three-day 'Uppundotsava' organized at Madikal Beach at Uppunda in the taluk from February 16 to 18.

After the sand art and cattle exhibitions held in the morning, kites of the internationally acclaimed Team Mangalore took over the skies in the afternoon. A programme, aptly titled, 'Mane Mattu Mathe' aimed at conserving and holding high the age-old customs and traditions added to the attraction of the festival. An exhibnition and sale of kites had also been held at the venue.

Uppunda happens to be an important fishing trade centre in the taluk. Shivaratri is a occasion when devotees line up to pray to the Lord at Aramakody Lord Eshwara temple here. To attract the crowd of devotees and art lovers by offering something to celebrate, Uppundotsava was held under the leadership of Uppundotsava Samiti honorary president, Navinchandra Uppunda. Office bearers of Sri Eshwara Seva Samiti and locals wholeheartedly got involved with the festival and thereby contributed to its huge success.

The festival, for organizing which a sum of about ten lac rupees was spent, provided everything like art, sports, music, dance, food, entertainment etc one place. Felicitation of achievers from the coast provided recognition to these people and encouraged them to do more.

Sri Esha Vittaladasa Swamiji of Sandeepani Ashram said that festivals where indigenous art, culture, etc are given importance need to be held frequently by temples and organizations at a time when western culture is encroaching upon the rich culture of the land. He termed 'Uppundotsava' as a model programme.

Honorary president of Uppundotsava Samiti, Navinchandra Uppunda, said that an honest effort was made to showcase the rich culture and traditions of the region through this year's festival. He said plans are afoot to organize this event in a grander manner in the coming years.