The entire town has bathed with the charm of Tuluvas’ pride, awaiting the commencement of the four-day Vishwa Tulu Sammelana.

As the countdown has begun, the Ujire town is all set to accommodate a mammoth gathering from across the world, which the organizers estimate at around two lakh in four days. A huge crowd was found visiting various sites at the venue on Wednesday itself.

Rows of huge Yakshagana cut-outs, bamboo-made welcome arches in traditional ‘gutthu’ style, colourful flags on 15-foot tall poles bearing palm-leave umbrellas, cutouts of traditional celebrations unique for Tuluvas such as kambala, bhoota kola and aati kalenja… the elaborate settings along two sides of the road leading to the convention venue have given Ujire a different get-up.

From the large main pendal to the Tulu cultural village, from exhibition stalls to the food court, from stages for entertainment programmes to the arrangements for accommodation, the preparations which began from about three months back are almost complete.

According to organizers, around 3,000 volunteers will be on the field today (December 10) to look after the comfort of the visitors during the inaugural of the mega event.

“The preparations are almost complete. We are getting the final picture of the total arrangements now,” said D Veerendra Heggade, the head of the organizing committee speaking to press persons on Wednesday, adding that the convention would pass two types of resolutions - one set to be recommended to the government, and another set to be adopted by the Tuluvas themselves.

CM to inaugurate

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the convention today at 5 pm with the presence of Udupi Pejawar Mutt seer Vishweshateethe Swamiji.

Scholar Prof Amrut Someshwar will preside. Home Minister Dr V S Acharya will be releasing a souvenir ‘Kodipu’ while MP Nalin Kumar Kateel will release another souvenir ‘Paddeyi’.

Former Union Minister Oscar Fernandes will inaugurate the Tulugrama; Kerala Tulu Sahitya Academy President Venkatraja Puninchittaya will release a series of books.
 Post Master General Sandhya Rani will unveil a special postal cover. District-in-Charge Minister J Krishna Palemar will inaugurate a folk exhibition, while Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Palthady Ramakrishna Achar will open a book exhibition.

Prior to this, there will be a pride walk of Tuluvas, a grand procession from Ujire town that will feature the talent of over 50 art troupes.

Food fest opens with ‘magic’ touch

The ‘magical’ inauguration of the traditional food festival on the eve of the convention drew much appreciation from the gathering.

Dr M Mohan Alva, the General Secretary of the organizing committee was a ‘magician’ for the time being. He produced all materials required for the inaugural out of ‘Akshayapatra,’ an empty wooden box.

As he took the sacred lamp and fire from the box, Chandayya Arasu, the senior most member of Padubidri royal family, lighted the lamp. The guests on the stage including Dr Heggade were honoured with jasmine garlands, produced from the box.

Later, there appeared ‘ravelaadu’, ‘barfi’, ‘katmandige’, even fish and chicken as per the wishes of the guests. Agoli Manjana, the traditional hero of Tulunadu, was served a sumptuous meal with a large variety of items including a jackfruit, which were also produced from the ‘Akshayapatra’.