’Udupi Utsava’ makes a flying start

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 29, 2014:  Udupi Utsava got a good start on Friday November 28, with a grand procession, comprising cultural troupes  and a large participation. The ceremonial walk from the municipal office to the venue of the utsava at the Royal Gardens was a colourful affair.  Crackers and balloons did a good work at the venue. The utsava will conclude on January 18, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

Inaugurating the event, Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha member, said that efforts should be made to market ‘Brand Udupi’ in the country and abroad.  Udupi had a rich history and being a coastal town, it had links with overseas lands for about 2,000 years. It was in Udupi that the Dwaita philosophyof Sri Madhwacharya established the Sri Krishna Math/Temple and installed the idol of Lord Krishna about 800 years ago, making it a major pilgrim centre, he said.

He said that Udupi also housed the natural Malpe beach and it could be developed into a major tourist spot. The St. Mary’s Island, located a few kilometres from Malpe beach, was yet another tourist spot, which had a lot of potential.

The Udupi Utsava Committee ha organised the annual Udupi Utsava at the Royal Garden grounds here from November 28 to January 18. A mega exhibition would be held during the utsava.

P. Yuvaraj, president of Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC), said the exhibition would be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The entry fee to the Utsava will be Rs. 30 per person, except for children up to three years. ‘Snow World’, aqua show and avian exhibition would be special attractions. The CMC expects to make a profit of Rs. 15 lakh from the Utsava, the local residents and visitors are expected to get a treat of this Utsava.