Cultural extravaganza, flower show from Jan 11 to 13

Kodagu district is all set for Pravasi Utsav after forgetting the sad memories of flood and landslides.

The tourism sector had seen a set back after the massive landslides wreaked havoc in the district. To attract tourist, the district administration and District Hotel and Resort Association will organise a series of programmes including flower show and cultural programmes from January 11 to 13.

A huge stage has been put up at Gandhi Maidan for the cultural programmes.

District In-charge Minister Sa Ra Mahesh will inaugurate the cultural programmes at 5 pm on January 11.

Food festival, open street festival, photography exhibition and dog show are some of the attractions at the Pravasi Utsav.

The Utsav is jointly organised by the district administration, Hotel and Resort Owners’ Association, district travels association, district homestay association, district association of industry and commerce, said Deputy Commissioner P I Sreevidya.

Addressing a press meet, she said the dog show will be held between 10 am and 2 pm on January 12.

The DC said that the Utsav is organised to attract tourists to the district and to send a message that Kodagu is safe.

An open street festival has been arranged on Raja Seat Road in Madikeri on January 13.

The movement of vehicles on the road will remain suspended from 8 am to 5 pm.

Yoga, cultural programmes, stilt dance, Chinese Lion, street art, art exhibition and other programmes will be held as a part of the open street festival. In addition, food trucks and food stalls will be present, along with art and artefacts sale, said the DC.

Sreevidya said that 30 stalls will be put up at Gandhi Maidan. The horticulture department, coffee board, women associations and others will exhibit their produce.

The tourism department will introduce Kodagu darshana bus services at the Utsav.

Tourists will be taken to Bhagamandala, Talacauvery, Nalkunadu Palace, Chelavara falls, Dubare, Nisargadhama, Golden temple, Mallalli Falls, Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti, Gaddige and Raja Seat. The fare per individual is Rs 450.

Horticulture Minister M C Manuguli will inaugurate the flower show at Raja Seat in Madikeri on January 11.

The entry to the flower show is free for schoolchildren while it is Rs 10 for others.

The flower show will be held from 10 am to 8.30 pm. Dry flower arrangement, flower arrangement and rangoli competitions will be organised for women and public at Raja Seat, said the DC.

The Tourism Department is spending Rs 1 crore for the Pravasi Utsav. About Rs 15 lakh will be spent on the flower show.

As a part of the cultural programmes, M D Pallavi and team will enthral the audience on January 11.

Musical evening by Sarigamapa team will be held on January 12 while Arjun Janya and team will perform on January 13. In addition, Kodava and Arebhashe dances will be performed.