World Tulu Convention commences today.

World Tulu Convention commences today.

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Dec 10: The nondescript town of Ujire has suddenly become very famous owing to the World Tulu Convention that is soon to commence. Cut-outs of Yakshagana characters, attractive bamboo archs, colorful flags, umbrellas of palm leaves—all depicting the colorful culture of the Tulu-speaking people—can be spotted all over the venue. People have already begun visiting the venue. The organizers estimate that the Convention will attract a crowd of 2 lakhs in just 4 days. 

Dr. D Veerendra Hegde, speaking to press people during a press conference held on Wednesday, said that the preparations are almost over. He also said that two categories of resolutions would be passed at the convention, one of which will be submitted to the government and the other will be kept by the organizers. The organizers say that 3,000 volunteers will be around on Dec 10 to ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors during the inauguration ceremony.

The inaugural function will commence with a grand procession from Ujire town, showcasing the talents of more than 50 troupes of artists. 

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will inaugurate the World Tulu Convention on Dec 11 at 5 p.m. in the presence of Udupi Pejawar Mutt Seer Mishweshateetha Swamiji. Prof Amrut Someshwar, the Tulu scholar, wil preside over the programme. Home Minister Dr V S Acharya will release a souvenir titled “Kodipu.” MP Nalin Kumar Kateel will release another souvenir titled “Paddeyi.”

Former Union Minister Oscar Fernandes will inaugurate the model Tulu village. Kerala Tulu Sahitya Academy President Venkatraja Puninchittaya will release a series of books. Post Master General Sandya Rani will inaugurate a special postal cover. District-in-charge Minister J Krishna Palemar will inaugurate a folk exhibition. Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Palthady Ramakrishna Achar will inaugurate a book exhibition. 

On the evening before the Convention, the traditional food festival was inaugurated in an innovative and magical manner. Dr. M Mohan Alva, the general secretary of the organizing committee, produced all the materials required for the inauguration from an empty wooden box, which he called “akshyapatre.” 

Chandayya Arasu, the senior member of the Padubidri royal family, lit the lamp. The dignitaries on the dais were garlanded with jasmine garlands produced from the interior of the empty wooden box. 

Later, Dr. Alva produced sweets and even non vegetarian items from the box. Agoli Manjana, Tulunadu’s traditional hero, was served a sumptuous multi-course meal, all of which was produced from the box.