Curtains down on three-day cultural splendour at Kittur Utsav

Belagavi: The 202nd Kittur Utsav, commemorating the historic victory of Rani Channamma against the British, concluded on Sunday after three days of celebrations.Kittur utsav was celebrated as a symbol of the victory in which the Kittur army defeated the British on Oct 23, 1824. Utsav featured seminars on heritage and literature, cultural performances, sports events, livestock shows and exhibitions. Thousands of visitors from across the country participated. The event also showcased emerging talent alongside established artistes, drawing appreciation despite criticism over the lack of new attractions.A four kilometre-long grand procession, which was held with artists representing Dollu, Yakshagana Band, Tiger-costume, Gombe Kunita and others, reflected the pride of Kittur Karnataka. Art troupes from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Keralam also participated in the procession. The entire procession reflected the multiculturalism of South India. ‘Om Parashakti’ troupe from Keralam was the highlight of the parade. People celebrated by clicking selfies with the mythical costumes. 501 women carried a Poorna Kumbh, Kalash at the front of the procession.Inauguration by pro farmer activist:Pro-farmer activist Chukki Nanjundaswamy, who inaugurated the Kittur festival on Friday evening, said that women gained independence from the British. But girls did not have the freedom to be born in this country. She reminded that thefemale foeticide is increasing every year.Chukki slammed the event organisers for not giving more space to women on stage.She urged that an education policy to be implemented that allows girls to receive education at least up to PUC. Expressing concern about the country’s farmers, she warned that Karnataka ranks second in farmer suicides and the govt must take responsibility for the dire situation.Programme diversity:Previously, Kittur utsav was limited to cultural, literary, and sporting activities. This year’s utsav attracted attention with exhibitions, and livestock fairs.Ravi Saligoudar, District Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, said that the exhibition of various breeds of cattle, bulls, buffaloes, rams, sheep, chickens, and pigs was a centercentre of attraction.Khilari breed, foreign HF breed and Gir breed of cows, Hallikar and Amrut Mahal breeds of bulls, Jafferbadi, Mahesana, Murra, Surti breeds of buffaloes, Darfur, Yalaga breed rams, Shirohi breed goats, Landrez, Duroc, Yorkshire breed pigs, and indigenous Turkish breed chickens were on display. The exhibition, which featured over 500 animals, was an attraction.Cultural splendour:A variety of cultural programmes attracted the spectators. Chandan Shetty and Shamita Malnad and team presented a musical programme on the first day, followed by Rajesh Krishnan and team on the second day and Arjun Janya and team on the third day.Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news. Download the TOI App.