3-day ‘Alupotsav’ to commemorate Alupa kingdom

The erstwhile royal town of Barkur with its unique historical significance is all set to host the first ever ‘Alupotsav’ from January 25 to 27.

Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis told mediapersons, on Wednesday, that the first ever Alupotsav was being organised in commemoration of Alupas, the most important royal lineage in Tulu kingdom.

According to historians, Alupas were one of the longest reigning dynasties of Tulu Nadu (in Karnataka). They have the distinction of running a continuous line of rulers for more than one thousand years.

Barkur was the capital city of the royal family. The Alupas had shifted their capital to Barkur from Udyavara. The rich heritage which existed around 2,000 years ago will be presented before the public.

Priyanka added that the Utsav was organised in association with Kannada and Culture department. It is an attempt to bring back the memories of a bygone era.

She said the Barkur fort had been decked up for the occasion and work was going on to ensure everlasting memories for the public. That apart, the Governor’s fort, belonging to Vijayanagar dynasty, the pond and the palace have also been spruced up for the purpose.

Priyanka said Rs 25 lakh was being spent on the festival and they had sought additional financial assistance from state government. She said apart from the heritage walk, cultural programmes like folk dances and music, decorative flower show, and seminars were also being planned as part of the utsav.

She said heritage walk was the best way to learn and recognise the culture, traditions, philosophy among others.

Heritage walk in Barkur would help one to know about Tuluva culture. The walk will begin from ‘Simhasana Gudde’ (Palace of Alupa Dynasty) and will lead to ‘Pancha Lingeshwara Temple’, ‘Batte Vinayaka Temple’, ‘Gopalakrishna Temple’, `Somanatha Temple’, `Manigara Keri’, ‘Adi Parameshwara Basadi’, ‘Katthale Basadi’, ‘Chowlikeri’, ‘Baira Ganapathi’ and `Mahalingeshwara Temple’, `Barkur Vijayanagara Fort’, `Someshwara Temple’, `Moodukeri’, `Veerabhadra Temple’, `Hiriya Basadi’, `Kalikamba Temple’ and will end at ‘Kallu Chappara’.

“The entire walk will cover 3.5 km distance touching 17 heritage points. Visitors can preferably start their walk at around 8 am.” she added.

Tourism department assistant director Anitha Bhaskar said the department has organised `programme heritage walk’ and Barkur was selected under the tag.

The plans include ensuring the conservation of the rich cultural asset, besides showcasing the historical significance of Barkur to the outside world.

She said heritage walk will help enthusiasts learn about the mysticism surrounding the ancient town of Barkur.

The guide Manjaiah Hedge said all precautionary measures had been taken. Utmost care was taken so that the historical structures were not damaged during the sprucing up works. The work on desilting the pond had been undertaken.

“In another four to five days, all works will be completed,” he added.