Open street festival adds colour to Pravasi Utsav

There was a riot of colours on Raja Seat Road in Madikeri as an open street festival was organised as a part of Kodagu Pravasi Utsav on Sunday.

Thousands of people participated in the open street festival. The busy road had a lot of music and dance.

The day began with a Yoga programme at 9 am. Later, the road was filled with a festive spirit. The music and dance at the venue were infectious.

The road from MM Circle to Kundoorumotte Chowti Mariamma temple was closed for vehicles for the day. Several stalls had come up on both sides of the road.

The demonstration on pottery, pencil sketch and face painting were hits among the visitors. Some people were seen savouring coffee.

The stalls with artefacts and toys saw brisk business. There was a huge demand for coffee from Kodagu, pani puri, gobi manchurian and Kodava delicacies.

There was also an exhibition of dolls all along the road which entertained the visitors.

A DJ also entertained the audience at Gandhi Maidan on the occasion.

Disha from Madikeri said, “For the first time, an open street festival is being organised in Madikeri. Kodava delicacies are in great demand. It is a good initiative by the district administration to revive Kodagu after the natural calamity.”

Dinesh, who had come from Hassan, said, “It is nice to see Kodagu reviving after the tragedy. The Utsav is very good.”

Homestay and resort owners said that they have heaved a sigh of relief with the influx of tourists to the district.

Swathi, a seller, said, “The business was good. The Pravasi Utsav should be a regular feature in the district.”