He was speaking after inaugurating the Draupadamma Karaga Mahotsav, which was jointly organised by the Draupadamma Karaga Mahotsav Committee and Arundathi Harijan Development Association in the City, on Saturday evening.
“It is heartening to know that the karaga mahotsav has entered its 50th year of celebration. Moreover, one of the distinct features of the celebration in the district is that it is a woman who carries the karaga and conducts the entire mahotsav.
“Every year people are awake the entire night and take part in the karaga mahotsav that is marked by high energy. The celebration which goes on until dawn is a reflection of our arts, culture and tradition,” the minister said.
Nighttime fun
The celebrations which started at 10: 30 pm near Maheshwaramma temple in Bapuji Nagar on Saturday culminated on Sunday morning.
Pushpavathamma, who carried the karaga, walked through the main streets in the City, accompanied by the tantalising and all permeating sounds of tamate and other musical instruments.
To mark the golden jubilee celebrations of the mahotsav teams from several states across the country had arrived.