Mangaluru: The 10-day annual Karavali Utsav began with a grand  procession highlighting the culture of Tulunadu on Friday Dec 21st.

The procession was flagged off by Mayor Bhaskar K. The procession, which was taken out from Nehru Maidan to Karavali Utsav Grounds, passed through A B Shetty Circle, Clock Tower, Hampankatta Circle, K S Rao Road, Navbharath Circle, P V S Junction,M G Road and Ballalbagh. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said the Karavali Utsav, which reflects the culture of the coastal district, instills a spirit of unity.

‘Veeragase’ by women team from Chikkamagaluru, ‘Dollukunitha’ from Shivamogga, ‘Kolata’ from Sagar, ‘Puravanthike’ from Haveri, ‘Jaggalige Mela’ from Dharwad, ‘Pattada Kunitha’ from Magadi, ‘Somana Kunitha’ from Tumakuru,’Pooja Kunitha’ from Ramanagara, ‘Veerabhadra Kunitha’ from Mysuru, ‘Bedara Kunitha’ from Haveri, ‘Suggi Kunitha’ from Karwar, ‘Kamsale’ and ‘Nagaari’ teams from Mysuru, ‘Kanivadana’ from Raichur, ‘Goravara Kunitha’ from Chamarajanagara,’Lambani dance’ from Belagavi, ‘Chittimela’ from Hassan, ‘Trayambakam’ from Badiadka, ‘Dudinadana’ and ‘Tiruvadirakkalli’ from Kasargod and ‘Kodava dance’ from Madikeri added colours to the procession.

In addition, the tableau on Kannada Bhuvaneshwari accompanied by folk dance of Tulu Nadu, ‘Yakshagana Vesha,’ ‘Sona Jogi Kunitha,’ ‘Hulivesha,’ ‘folk dolls,’ ‘Koragara Gajamela,’ ‘Marakalu Huli Vesha,’ ‘Daff Kunitha’ and ‘Kangeelu Nritya’ ‘ highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Tulu Nadu. Traditional musical instruments, ‘Thattiraya Chande’ from various temples also accompanied the tableau of Kannada Bhuvaneshwari.

Members of NCC, Scouts and Guides, Bharath Seva Dal were also part of the procession. City Police Commissioner T R Suresh, Tulu Sahitya Academy President A C Bhandary, Additional DC Kumar, ZP CEO R Selvamani and others were present.