Karavali Utsava from Dec 21 to Jan 19 in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: The much-awaited Karavali Utsava to showcase the culture and tradition of Dakshina Kannada will be held in Mangaluru from December 21 to January 19, Assembly Speaker U T Khader said.

The added attraction will be the beach and kite festivals.

Speaking to mediapersons via video conference from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, he said the Utsava is organised with the cooperation of Karnataka State Tulu, Beary, Konkani, and Arebhashe academies, and will entertain the public with the diversity of the coastal region.

A sum of Rs 50 lakh has been sought from the Kannada and Culture department and Rs 20 lakh from the tourism department for the Karavali Utsava, he said.

The Karavali Utsava is being organised after four years in the city, he added.

Mangaluru carnival

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan M P said that prior to the inauguration, the Mangaluru carnival procession will be taken out from Canara College, Kodialbail to the Karavali Utsava grounds.

Artistes in traditional costumes representing the district's culture and diversity will participate in the procession. After the inauguration, various cultural programmes by renowned artistes will be presented.

The exhibition, themed 'global village', aims to introduce the true culture, traditions, literature, attire, and cuisine of the coastal region. '

Separate sections will be arranged to introduce the customs of various communities. Handloom, weaving, pottery, and other crafts will be unveiled. Traditional products of tribal communities will also be available to the public.

Robotic butterfly park

A unique robotic butterfly park, set up by the Karnataka Sambhrama team from Bengaluru, at Kadri Park will be inaugurated on December 22.

The butterfly park will be open to the public from 4 pm to 9 pm every day for a month.

Food festival

The Deputy Commissioner said the coastal region boasts of a unique culinary tradition. A diverse array of food preparations, displays, and sales will be organised under one roof, offering the public a rare opportunity to explore and savour Tulu Nadu's delicacies, at the Karavali Utsav grounds. In addition to food products, ample space will be provided for other commercial stalls which will have an amusement park, aquarium and various entertainment activities that cater to all age groups, he added.

Beach festival

The tourists and the public can enjoy the weekend of the year with a beach festival at Tannirbavi beach on December 28 and 29. Singer Raghu Dixit along with his team will perform on the shores on the inaugural day at 8 pm.

On December 29, unique programmes such as yoga at 5.30 am, Zumba (aerobics) at 6.30 am, and beach sports from 9 am will be organised. Dance performances will be held at 5.30 pm, and shore band performances at 8 pm, Mullai Muhilan explained.

A vintage car rally and a dog show will be held at Kadri Park on January 4 and 5. A youth festival will be held at Kadri Park on January 11 and 12. The renowned international kite festival sponsored by MRPL will be held at Tannirbavi beach on January 18 and 19, the Deputy Commissioner said.