Mangaluru: Sri Akhila Havyaka Mahasabha will organise the third World Havyaka Convention at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru from Dec 27 to 29. Mahasabha president and ayurvedic expert Dr Giridhar Kaje told reporters on Sunday that the organisation, established in 1943, is celebrating its 81st anniversary and has hosted two previous conventions.
Dr Kaje said the Havyaka Brahmins, who originally settled in Ahichhatra, Uttar Pradesh, were brought to Karnataka by Mayuravarma. As a symbolic gesture, a divine lamp from Ahichhatra will be brought to the convention.
The convention will include a showcase of Indian cattle breeds, including Hallikar, Gir, Kankrej, and Malnad Gidda, with interactive opportunities for children. An exhibition will highlight arecanut farming tools and techniques used by Havyakas. Rituals such as Ganapati havan and Dhanvantari havan, along with various pujas, will take place to promote well-being. The programme will also feature mass Bhagavad Gita recitations, devotional singing, and mandala art exhibitions.
The convention will host eight discussion panels and 18 topics of relevance to the Havyaka community, addressing cultural, educational, and economic issues. The event will showcase Havyaka contributions to Yakshagana, displaying the costumes and styles of Tenkutittu and Badagutittu forms. The convention will include photography, traditional art, and rangoli competitions, and display traditional items such as pots once used in Havyaka homes.
Visitors can also explore a Havyaka culinary festival showcasing a variety of dishes from Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada, with options for tasting and takeaway. The convention will honour 567 people from various fields.