Belagavi/ Davanagere: The
Belagavi district administration on Friday celebrated
Kittur Utsav, which marks the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rani Channamma, at Kittur taluk of Belagavi district. However, the utsav remained simple owing to the pandemic.
Veera Joyhti (lamp of valour) was brought to Channamma Circle here from Kakati village, the birthplace of Channamma located 12km from the district headquarters. It was later taken to Kittur in a vehicle. Kittur MLA Mahntesh Doddagoudra launched the utsav at Rani Channamma Circle in Kittur by welcoming the lamp. Nijagunand Swami of Nishkal Mutt (Bailur) hoisted the utsav flag in the presence of religious heads. Local leaders and district officials garlanded to statue of Channamma, Sangolli Rayanna and Amatoor Balappa on the occasion.
The lamp was taken out in a simple procession from Channamma Circle to Sri Madivalshwar Temple at Nichhanike village in Kittur taluk.
Hitherto, the utsav was celebrated over three days in a gala manner with the chief minister inaugurating the festivities. However, the pandemic restricted the district administration to keep it simple this year. The latest edition of the utsav was devoid of programmes involving folk performances, lectures and sporting events.
ZP president Asha Aihole, deputy commissioner M G Hiremath and other district officials were present.
In Davanagere, the district administration and Panchamasali Veerashaiva Samaj and Kannada and culture department too celebrated the Rani Kittur Channamma’s birth anniversary at the DC's office. Rich floral tributes were offered and her valour recalled in India's freedom movement.