Mangaluru: Karavali Utsava, which is being held after many years, will feature unique programmes showcasing the true culture, literature, attire, and traditional foods of the coastal region, according to DC Mullai Muhilan MP. He spoke while presiding over the Karavali Utsava preparatory meeting held on Monday.
Various traditional cultural activities of local communities and ethnic groups will be effectively showcased. Opportunities will be provided for the preparation and exhibition of ancient coastal culture and cuisine, he said.
The Karnataka Tulu, Beary, Konkani, and Arebhashe academies will assist in conducting these programmes, and necessary support will be provided by the district administration, he added. Additionally, preparations are being made for various attractive cultural and traditional displays. An attractive exhibition and food fair will be held at the festival grounds from Dec 21, the DC informed, adding that opportunities will also be provided for the sale of traditional products from tribal and hill communities.
On Dec 21, an attractive cultural procession will take place from Kodialbail to the Karavali Utsava grounds on MG Road to mark the inauguration of the festival. The evening will feature the inaugural programme, the DC stated. He instructed that necessary preparations be made for the beach festival, youth festival, plant fair, and other programmes organised in various locations in conjunction with the festival.
The festival aims to create awareness among tourists visiting the district about its culture, traditional literature, and cuisine in one place, according to the district commissioner. Present at the meeting were Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy chairman Tharanath Gatti Kapikad, Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy chairman Umar UH, and Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy chairman Joachim Stanley Alvares, who expressed their support for the success of the festival.
Applications invited from cultural troupes
The district administration has invited applications from various troupes in the district to perform cultural programmes on different platforms of the festival. Interested art groups should submit applications with details of their art form, past performances, photographs, and related reports to the Assistant Director, Kannada and Culture Department, Tulu Bhavan, Urwa Store, Mangaluru, or at dkc.mangaluru@gmail.com. The last date for application submission is on Wednesday.
Cultural programmes should reflect the art and culture of the coastal districts. Groups that performed in previous years' Karavali Utsava will not be considered, stated a release.