Good response from public for Two-day River Festival

Mangaluru: There was good response for the maiden two-day River Festival held at Bangra Kulur with an ocean of people thronging to witness the colourful event which concluded on Sunday, January 13.

The district administration had organized the river festival to promote tourism and activate backwaters in Mangaluru. Their maiden attempt seems to have made the best use of the backwaters successfully garnering positive response from the public.

The two-day river festival was inaugurated by the district in-charge minister U T Khader on January 12, who also enjoyed a ride in a jet ski after the inauguration.

People came through a ferry ride from Tannirbhavi and Sultan Battery to reach Bangra Kulur. Temporary jetties were set up at Bangra Kulur, Tannirbhavi and Sultan Battery for the purpose of the River Festival.

Stand-up paddling and kayaking competitions were held for both men and women during the two-day River Festival. Tanvi Jagadish and Stuthi were the winners of women’s kayaking and stand-up paddling while Shailesh and Akshay were the winners of men’s kayaking and stand-up paddling respectively.

23-acre government land was identified by the district administration for the purpose of the river festival. As many as 50 stalls were installed indulging in sea food, arts, exhibitions, jewellery, and live painting from Prasad Art Gallery. There was also a separate children’s play area.

The visitors were enthralled by many cultural events including dance, chande, rap song performance, DJs, folk bands and dance and many more. A film festival regarding rivers had also been organized.

The district administration arranged six free buses from Sultan Battery, Bangra Kulur and Tannirbhavi to and fro for the River festival. A variety of adventure sports were also available for the visitors.

Additional deputy commissioner Kumar spoke with the media and said,  “It has been a good response from the public, more than what we expected. The public has had a good time in this two-day festival. We have managed temporary jetties which we constructed at three places. The government sanctioned Rs 25 lac for this festival. After 8 pm, people came in large numbers.”