Colourful start for Karavali Utsav

The 10-day Karavali Utsav got off to a colourful start on Friday, with a colourful   procession of folk teams reflecting the rich culture of Karnataka.

The procession was flagged off by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U T Khader. District-in-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the exhibition.

The procession was taken out from Nehru Maidan to Karavali Utsav grounds. It passed through A B Shetty Circle, Clock Tower, Hampankatta Circle, K S Rao Road, Navbharath Circle, P V S Junction, M G Road, Ballalbagh before culminating at the Karavali Utsav ground.

"Chende," "Dolu," "Veeragase" (by women team), "Dollu Kunitha" from Shivamogga; "Kolata," "Puravanthike," "Jaggalige Mela" of Dharwad; "Pattada Kunitha" of Magadi; "Somana Kunitha" of Tumakuru; "Pooja Kunitha" from Ramanagara; "Veera Bhadra Kunitha" and "Kamsale" of Mysuru; "Bedara Kunitha" of Haveri; "Suggi Kunitha" from Karwar; "Trayambakam" from Badiadka; folk from Tulunadu; "Yakshagana," "Sona Jogi Kunitha," tiger dance, "Shankha Dasaru" dolls and "Gajamela," among others participated. In addition, traditional musical instruments with temples "Tattiraya" and "Bethala" added colours to the procession.

Students from various schools, NCC, Scouts and Guides, and Sevadal also participated in the procession.

Remark on Simha

Referring to the recent remarks by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, Rai said that there is 'Simha' (lion) in his name (Pratap Simha); hence, is he a human being or an animal? and does he eat food or goes for hunting?

Stating that he is giving a fitting answer to the MP from his own land, he sought to know whether the MP would dare to question actors who have screen names like Rajkumar, Rajanikanth and Vishnuvardhan in the same tone, as he (the MP) questioned me (Rai). "Whether I am Prakash Raj or Prakash Rai, what is your problem," he questioned.

I am a son of coastal district and my father is from Puttur and mother from Gadag. People from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala call me as their own. But still I am proud to tell that I am from the coastal region.

"I have come to take part in Karavali Utsav in my homeland. However, derogatory comments have been made against me through social media. A fearful atmosphere has been created.There is a need to uphold the humanitarian values," said Rai.