Karnataka - Mangalore   

‘Janapada Dibbana' marks Abbakka utsav inauguration

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Grand beginning:A tableau depicting Rani Abbakka being taken in a procession in Mangalore on Saturday

MANGALORE: The two-day festival in honour of Rani Abbakka, the Ullal queen who fought against the Portuguese rule five centuries ago, began at the Assaigoli Ground on the outskirts of the city on Saturday. The State Government has sanctioned Rs. 25 lakh for this annual event.

The main attraction of the inaugural function was “Janapada Dibbana”, a colourful 4-km procession of folk artistes from Deralakatte to the venue. A woman riding a horse signifying Rani Abbakka led the procession that comprised various folk arts such as “Keelu Kudure”, “Yakshagana Gombe”, “Gombe Balaga”, “Navilu Nrutya” and “Daapu”. Beating of drums by an all-woman Dollu Kunita troupe from Heggodu near Shimoga drew applause. U.T. Khader, MLA, inaugurated the procession at Deralakatte. He joined the procession along with Chairman of Coastal Development Authority B. Nagaraja Shetty near the venue. Veerarani Abbakka Utsava Samiti has been conducting the festival every year by raising donations.

Minister for Higher Education V.S. Acharya said the State Government would release funds annually for the event that propagate the State's history, culture and heritage. The Government would earmark more funds for Rani Abbakka Utsav in the budget. The Kannada and Culture Department, which is now getting funds amounting to Rs. 200 crore, would be asked to organise the event, he added. Following the inauguration, there was a dance programme by Kadri Nrutya College. In the evening, there was Bharatanatya and folk dance by Vibhalakshmi B.Y. Karnataka Yaksha Bharati troupe from Puttur presented a Yakshagana episode, “Rani Shashiprabha”.

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