Mangalore:  The Mallika Kala Vrinda will be holding its 53rd Religious and Cultural Festival from January 13 to 24 to coincide with the annual festival of the Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple,.

This was informed to reporters by Sudhaker Rao Pejawar, Working President of the Kala Vrinda. He said over 2500 artistes from 105 troupes will take part in the event which will feature, dance drama,  yakshagana, puppet shows, harikatha, magic shows etc.

There will also be a Saura Yakshagana show. Renowned artistes will be felicitated, he informed. Various contests have been arranged for school and college students  as part of the festival. The contests include Dasa song singing contest, Gita recitation and elocution contest.

Prizes will be distributed to winners at the valedictory function. Vasudeva Rao Kudupu, General Secretary and others were present.