Mangalore: The Veer Rani Abbakka (of Ullal) festival took of today with great fanfare in the morning (Jan.29) in the presence of Mayor Rajani Dugganna who lighted the traditional lamp at the Asaigoli Maidan in a decorated pandal.
A folk arts and cultural procession was taken out on the occasion with dancers and large dolls providing an atmosphere of delight. The tableaus and dance troupes moved from Deralkatte to the venue of the festival, with crowds in tow. U.T Khader, Ullal MLA flagged off the proceedings. The cultural programmes were inaugurated by folk artiste Aladangady Kargi Shedthi.
Dr.V.S.Acharya, minister, spoke on the joyous occasion. He promised to arrange funds to hold this historic festival ever year in memory of Queen Abbakka. He asked people to participate in such events in large numbers.
The local people, old and young, can sit together and formulate the programmes to hold them in the best manner possible, he added.
MLA U.T. Khader informed the gathering that the state govt. had already sanctioned an amount of Rs25 lakhs to meet the expenses.
Sulochana Bhat, Dr.B.Madhava Bhandary, K.Jayarama Shetty, B.Nagaraja Shetty, Kumble Sundar Rao, Hyder Parthippady among others were seated on the dais at the inauguaral function.
The festival continues on Sunday.