A procession of cultural troupes from different parts of the State and an exhibition of rare photographs of the city marked the beginning of the 10-day Karavali Utsav here on Friday.
The procession began around 4 p.m. from Nehru Maidan by the blowing of conch shell and beating of instruments brought from different temples. The procession was led by chende players and was followed by Huli Vesha dance, Koraga Gaja Mela, Tattiraya, Kangeelu, and Daff player troupes.
Troupes from across the State were also in the procession. This included an all-woman Veeragase troupe from Chikkamangaluru, Dollu Kunita players from Shivamogga, Jaggali Mela players from Dharwad, a Soomana Kunita team from Tumakuru, a Puja Kunita team from Ramanagaram, a Koolata team from Sagar, a Puravantike team from Haveri, a Pattada Kunita team from Magadi, a Veerabhadra Kunita team from Mysuru, a Beedara Kunita team from Haveri, a Suggi Kunita team from Karwar, a Kamsale team from Mysuru, a Kanivaadana team from Raichur, a Goravara team from Chamarajanagar, and a Lambani team from Belagavi. There were teams from Kerala State, including the Trayambakam team from Badiyadka and the Dudinadana team from Kasaragod. After reaching the Karavali Utsav grounds, these troupes were given an opportunity to shine on stage.
Presiding over start of the utsav and the inauguration of the exhibition, District in-charge Minister U.T. Khader said the event highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the coastal region. Mangaluru, he said, was among the fast-growing cities of the State after Bengaluru and Mysuru. He said there was a need of greater investment in the city. Events such as Karavali Utsav will help project the diverse culture of the region, which will help build Mangaluru as a place for all religions.
Music composer Guru Kiran, who inaugurated the festival, said his growth in the profession was because of the support and warmth he received from the people of the region.
Protest
Activists, led by Vidya Dinker, put up across the stage a long cloth banner that had the words “Karavali Utsav Ulisi” and blackened the word “Utsav” as a form of protest against the opening of new industries in the city which would pollute the region. The activists placed the banner a few minutes before Mr. Khader’s speech.
Acknowledging the protesters, Mr. Khader said he has directed Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Sentil S. to act as per law. Earlier in the day, the protesters had staged at demonstration near the office of the DC.
The Barke police have registered a complaint against Ms. Dinker and other activists for displaying the protest banner. The district administration has filed a complaint against the activists. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Hanumantharaya said the activists are accused of obstructing an official function and causing public nuisance.