Mangaluru: Karavali Utsav likley to be cancelled

Mangaluru: The famous Karavali Utsava, one of the largest fairs organised in coastal Karnataka, may not be held this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cancellation of this cultural festival will be a setback to the artisans, the entertainment sector and local economic activities in Mangaluru.

The Utsava is usually held in the months of January and February and includes a beach festival, cultural program at Kadri Park and Utsav grounds, flower and allied exhibitions and many more events and activities.

Lakhs of people attend the festival from all over the State.

According to sources in the district administration and the City Corporation, there have not been any preparatory meetings related to the festival nor is there any indication that a meeting will be held.

The Utsava is held for more than a week and e-tenders are called months before the beginning of the festival.

Apart from the presence of local art and culture exhibitors, artisans from other States also come to the Utsav.

However, the pandemic has forced all of this to be cancelled.

Last year the festival had started on January 9. Various exhibitions and cultural events were held by artists’ teams from various districts of the State.

A kite festival was also held which had delegates from 8 countries.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Rajendra KV sid, “There is currently no proposal for the Karavali Utsav. On March 8 a disaster management committee meeting will be held where the Utsav issue will be discussed.”

Sources have informed that the State government would provide a grant of Rs 50 lakhs for the festival. However, the grant may not be provided this time.