Karavali Utsav inaugurated; Colourful procession marks the occasion

Mangaluru: The 10-day Karavali Utsav was inaugurated by renowned Sandalwood music director Guru Kiran at Karavali ground on Friday, December 21. A grand procession was taken out from Nehru Maidan to Karavali ground, as part of the inaugural ceremony. Mayor Bhaskar Moily inaugurated the colourful procession.

Addressing the gathering Guru Kiran said, “I am delighted to inaugurate Karavali Utsav. I was  born and brought up in Karavali and Karavali means Utsava. Karavali is the place where my journey started. When I looked at the procession, it gave me a feeling of ‘Karnataka Darshana’ which portrays the rich culture and tradition of coastal belt,” he said.

District-in-charge minister U T Khader spoke on the occasion and said, “It’s always an honour to be part of our cultural extravaganza Karavali Utsav. We have constantly succeeded in organising this event. We can witness lot of cultures, tradition of coastal belt as well as the other parts of the state where they exhibit it through procession.”

The minister took a jibe at Vidya Dinaker who organised a ‘surprise’ protest in between the inauguration and said, “I thank Vidya Dinaker for setting up the Karavali Utsav beautifully with the protest. This is an added feather to the cap of Karavali Utsav.”

The programme was compered by journalist Manohar Prasad. The additional deputy commissioner Mr Kumar welcomed the gathering. Deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil, Mayor Bhaskar Moily, police commissioner T R Suresh, zilla panchayat CEO Dr Selvamani and others were present. Meanwhile, music director Guru Kiran was felicitated by district administration.

Old Mangaluru

This year’s Karavali Utsav focuses on old Mangaluru’s heritage, culture and history. The 10 day fiesta aims to make Mangalureans nostalgic with memories of the past and also inform important milestones to the younger generation.

Various programmes will be conducted at Kadri Park, Karavali Utsav ground and Panambur beach during the 10-day event.