The Kannada literary conference has created a festive atmosphere in Dharwad, known for its love for literature and music.
Besides people of the town, many from rural areas too are flocking to the city.
Some people had expressed reservations over the selection of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS)-Dharwad campus as the venue of the event citing that it is located on the outskirts of the city.
Jam-packed
However, the large participation has proved that distance has not dampened the spirit of the people. All buses and other vehicles leading to the venue are found jam-packed.
Venkatesh Joshi, who had come all the way from Hubballi, said he is a lover of Kannada language and literature and a voracious reader.
He is going to the sammelana to attend the literary sessions and purchase books, he said.
Youngsters like Rakesh, Ravi and Somesh said they found it an excellent opportunity to learn new things.
“Eminent persons of various fields whom we otherwise watch only on television gather here and it is an opportunity to listen them in person,” said Mr. Somesh.
However, Yellappa Hosmani, a farmer, was critical about the men of letters not responding to the farmers’ plight. He said he was going to the sammelana to raise some queries at the technical sessions.