It's colour, cuisine and coast from tomorrow

Come January 23 and the Kadri Park will witness three mega events that are usually held at three different venues and at three different times.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, who spoke on the matter to mediapersons, said that in addition to the annual flower show, the main stage of the Karavali Utsav would be set up at Kadri Park, instead of near the Mangala Stadium. “About 30 hotels of the Dakshina Kannada Hotels’ Association will set up their counters on the side of the main road adjacent to the Kadri Park, as part of the food festival,” he explained.

“As a result, the Park stretch will be closed for vehicular movement between January 23 and 31. Arrangements will be made for parking at the Padua High School grounds, near the War Memorial and on the Circuit House premises,” he added.

Giving details of the flower show, Yogesh H R, the deputy director of the Horticulture Department, said that the model of an elephant – using 400 kg of tomatoes – as well as a
shark, a penguin and a peacock in addition to models of musical instruments – such as guitar, veena and tabla – made up of flowers would be the special attractions.

There would also be two models of Yakshagana characters, which would be made using 25,000 Dutch roses, said the officer.

Poor response

Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer P I Sreevidya said that although the Department had organised a terrace and kitchen garden contest to popularise the same – especially in cities – the response was very poor, with only 10 entries, including nurseries.

“The contest aimed to help the greater cultivation and use of vegetables within the space available in and around the house. The Department also hoped to promote hygienic and nutritive food habits among consumers. The response, however, was far below expectations,” she rued.

She also said that two farmer achievers would be honoured on every day of the four-day flower show. “The tickets have been priced at Rs 10 for adults and Rs five for children.

Participation of students is being encouraged with free passes for groups of students who visit during school time and accompanied by the school representatives,” she informed.
The cultural programmes will be held on all four days between 6 pm and 8.30 pm on account of the Karavali Utsav.

The chief executive officer said that the Karnataka Bank and the Syndicate Bank have opted to sponsor solar lights for the Park.

“While the Karnataka Bank will contribute Rs 10 lakh, the Syndicate Bank will give Rs five lakh. In addition, the Vijaya Bank has volunteered to construct a gazebo at a cost of Rs five lakh and the Corporation Bank has offered to provide benches for the Park,” said Sreevidya.

The new entrance gate of the Park – erected at a cost of Rs 28 lakh from the area development funds of MLA J R Lobo – will be inaugurated on Friday, January 22, at 3 pm.

When asked about the toy train at the Park, Sreevidya said that the train, which was stopped more than two years ago, would be restarted in the month of March or April 2016.
“The new train is being manufactured in Mysuru and is expected to arrive in Mangaluru in the month of March or April. However, the existing track too is not good and laying of a new track may take some more time,” explained the officer.