Mandya: Mandya is gearing up to host the 87th Akila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, a grand festival of Kannada language and culture, from Dec 20 to 22. The event will bring together enthusiasts from across the globe, underscoring the universal appeal of Kannada despite challenges such as high travel costs during holiday season.
Mahesh Joshi, president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, revealed that attendees from countries including the United States, Australia, Germany, Sweden, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and Singapore have confirmed their participation. Notably, this year will see first-time delegations from Taiwan and South Korea, along with 40 participants from the Middle East. In total, about 400 international delegates are expected to join the festivities.
Special arrangements are in place to welcome foreign participants, who will be treated as honoured guests. "During our visits to various countries and events, such as the AKKA conference, we extended invitations, and the response was incredible," Joshi said. "The sammelana, often described as a ‘Kannada Habba' (Kannada festival), will serve as a platform to celebrate the enduring connection between the Kannada diaspora and their cultural roots. Distinguished figures Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami and Mandya district in-charge minister N Cheluvarayaswamy have been instrumental in promoting the event internationally, further boosting its visibility," he added.
The event promises a vibrant showcase of Kannada literature, art, and heritage, fostering unity among Kannada speakers worldwide. As Mandya prepares to host this landmark celebration, the sammelana is expected to strengthen the global recognition of Kannada culture and its rich literary legacy.