Karnataka   

Kittur Utsav proves to be a big draw

Kittur (Belgaum District): The three-day Kittur Utsav 2007 began here on Tuesday. People arrived from different parts of the district to witness the annual cultural festival organised by the Veerarani Channamma Vijayotsava Samithi, Kittur, the Kannada and Culture Department and the district administration.

Inaugurating the cultural festivities in the evening, poet Chandrashekar Kambar criticised the media, particularly the electronic media. Influenced by globalisation, the electronic media were converting viewers into mere consumers of products manufactured by MNCs. Their major concerns appeared to be commerce and politics.

He said the Government should choose whether to encourage such commercial media or protect the genuine interests of the people and the country.

Earlier, in a brief chat with media, he said the literary meets should be held as scheduled. The absence of an elected Government should not be an excuse for not holding such important annual events. The Vishwa Kannada Sammelan should be held without further delay, he said.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Anantkumar Hegde, MP; Suresh Marihal, MLA; Jagdish Metgud, MLA; and senior officials of the district.

The inaugural function was delayed by two hours.

The utsav began with Gangadhar Swami of Moorusavira Math and Mr. Metgud performing ceremonial puja at the samadhi of Rani Chennamma in Bailhongal town in the morning. Subsequently, they flagged off the “Kittur Jyoti”, which after travelling a distance of 40 km reached Kittur town around noon. A grand reception was accorded to the “Kittur Jyoti” by Suresh C. Angadi, MP, and other prominent citizens of the town. Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council Sachidanand Khot flagged off the colourful “Janapada Vahini” consisting of folk and cultural troupes. People lined up on either side of the route of the jatha to witness the folk artistes in their colourful and traditional costumes singing folk songs, playing folk music and dancing to the beat of the drums. The jatha culminated on the fort premises, the venue of festivities. Thirty-five tableaux and cultural troupes were part of the jatha, depicting the heroic fight of Rani Chennamma with the British forces, the Anubhava Mantap, Dasa Sahitya and a statue of the queen in front of Parliament House.

Mr. Hegde inaugurated an industrial exhibition. In the evening, the former Minister D.B. Inamdar inaugurated “deepotsav” (festival of lights). Rachaiah Swamiji and Uday Swamiji of Kakti performed ceremonial puja to the statue of Rani Chennamma in Kakti, the birthplace of the Queen of Kittur. Abhaykumar Patil, MLA, was present.

The daylong celebrations culminated with cultural programmes featuring folk and Hindustani classical music, light music, dance and a drama titled ‘Sangoli Rayana’ on the newly constructed stage.

Noted Hindustani vocalist and doyenne of Kirana Gharana Gangubai Hangal was felicitated in recognition of her significant services in the field of Indian classical music.

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