Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Dec 21: Sandalwood's renowned music director Guru Kiran inaugurated the 10-day Karavali Utsav here at Karavali ground on Friday, December 21.

In his inaugural address, Guru Kiran said, “I am delighted to inaugurate Karavali Utsav. I have born and brought up in Karavali and Karavali means Utsava. Karavali is the place where my journey started and helped me achieve. When I looked at the procession, it gave me a feeling of ‘Karnataka darshana’ which portrays the rich culture and tradition of coastal belt."

District-in-charge minister U T Khader said," It’s always an honour to be part of our cultural extravaganza Karavali Utsav. We have constantly succeeded in organising this event. We can witness lot of cultures, tradition of coastal belt as well as the other parts of the state where they exhibit it through procession.”

Taking a jibe at Vidya Dinaker who organised a ‘surprise’ protest in between the inauguration, Khader said, “I thank Vidya Dinaker for setting up the Karavali Utsav beautifully with the protest. This is an added feather to the cap of Karavali Utsav.”

Meanwhile, music director Guru Kiran was felicitated by district administration.

Deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, mayor Bhaskar Moily, police commissioner T R Suresh, zilla panchayat CEO Dr Selvamani and others were present.

Journalist Manohar Prasad compered the programme. Additional deputy commissioner Kumar welcomed the gathering.

Karavali Utsava’s theme this year focuses on old Mangaluru's heritage, culture and history. The 10 day fiesta aims to make Mangalureans nostalgic with memories of the past and also inform important milestones to the younger generation.

During this 10 day event, various programmes will be conducted at Kadri Park, Karavali Utsav ground and Panambur beach.

Sports meet

As a part of Karavali Utsav, sports meet will be conducted on December 28 and 29 at Don Bosco Hall and Karavali Utsav ground. Dakshina Kannada district level handball tournament and Lagori tournament will be organised at Karavali Utsav ground on December 28 and weight lifting tournament for men and women will be conducted on December 29 at Don Bosco Hall.

Beach festival

As a part of Karavali Utsav, beach festival will be held from December 28 to 30 at Panambur beach. Various programmes are lined up at beach festival such as beach volleyball, food festival, dance competition, sand art, kite festival, surfing, stand up paddling, zumba dance workout.

Live performance by music director Manikaanth Kadri on December 30 at Panambur beach will be an added attraction. The Karavali Utsav will conclude on December 30 at Panambur beach.

Grand procession

A grand procession was taken out from Nehru Maidan to Karavali ground, as part of the inaugural ceremony. Mayor Bhaskar Moily inaugurated the colourful procession.