Preparations in full swing for Pravasi Utsav in Kodagu

To attract tourists to Kodagu, the district administration is organising a three-day 'Pravasi Utsav' from January 11.

The preparations are in full swing for the success of the programme.

As a part of the Utsav, Madikeri town is all set to host a musical evening, a dog show, open street festival, yoga and fruits and flower show.

To promote tourism which has been badly hit after the recent natural calamities, the district administration, in association with the Hotel and Resort Owners Association has chalked out various programmes.

Raja Seat had lost its glory after the natural calamity hit Kodagu. As a part of the Utsav, the Horticulture Department is making arrangements for a flower show at Raja Seat. Labourers are busy painting the place. Flower pots from various nurseries have already arrived, said Horticulture Department officials.

A model of the statue of Mother Cauvery, flower mantapa, birds, animals, temples and palace will be recreated using the flowers. More than 7,000 flowering bearing and ornamental plants at Raja Seat will attract the tourists. Cultural programmes will be held on all the three days of the flower show at Raja Seat.

Well known singer M T Pallavi and team will present "Bhavasangama" on January 11. Harsha and team will regale the audience with a musical evening on January 12. In addition, Kodava dances will also be staged, said organisers.

On the last day, open street festival and yoga will be held.

Hotel and Resort Owners Association and Homestay Association will host a food festival to tickle the taste buds of the visitors at Gandhi Maidan. Priority will be given to authentic traditional delicacies, said hotel association members.

Santhosh, a homestay owner said, "I have been running a homestay for the last five years. The homestay is the source of my livelihood. The tourism sector has seen a setback in the last four to five months. In the past, getting a room in a homestay in the month of August was difficult. The bookings have started after the Christmas celebrations this time around. The rain has taken our lives."