River Festival inaugurated by UTK

Mangaluru: The two day maiden river festival in Mangaluru was inaugurated by the district in-charge minister U T Khader, along with city mayor, Bhaskar Moily at Bangrakuloor in the city on Saturday January 12.

Speaking to the gathered, Mr Khader said, “We are organizing the river festival for the first time, and such festivals pave way for the tourists to come in large numbers and take part. States like Goa and Kerala have wonderfully utilized their backwaters. Even small organisations should come forward and take initiative in conducting such river festivals on a smaller scale.”

Speaking on the occasion Mayor Bhaskar Moily said, “As a part of Karavali Utsav, we are organizing river festival for the first time. This will definitely attract the tourists. Under Smart City project, we have earmarked sizeable funds for the development of the city.”

The ‘River Festival’ has been organised by the district administration to promote river tourism. Temporary jetties have built at Bangrakuloor, Tannirbhavi and Sultan Battery for the purpose of river festival. There is a plan to develop river banks as tourist spots in the city.

The two day festival will including various activities and attractions including water adventure sports such as Kayaking, stand up paddling, floating hotel, restaurant, food court, several stalls, cultural programmes among others. A film festival regarding rivers has also been arranged.

Deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district Sasikanth Senthil, police commissioner T R Suresh and others participated in the inauguration.