Mangala Stadium’s Guthu Mane stage ready to receive 10,000 people

Mangala Stadium’s Guthu Mane stage ready to receive 10,000 people

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jan 12, 2012 : More than 5000 people from all over India are expected to be present at the inauguration ceremony of the 17th National Youth Festival, which will be held at Mangala Stadium on a huge stage recently constructed to resemble the Chavadi of a Tulunadu Guthu Mane. A total of Rs. 48 lakh has been spent on the stage, lighting, and sound effects.

A Guthu Mane Chavadi was a social centre in the past. Belonging to landlord families, it served as a place for people to meet and socialize. However, the replica of the Guthu Mane Chavadi at Mangala Stadium will witness a number of dignitaries declaring open the 17th National Youth Festival, which is being held for the first time in Mangalore and in Karnataka.

 

The stage was designed under the guidance of Dr. Mohan Alva, the chairman of the Alva’s Education Trust. It bears symbols such as the Yakshagana headgear illustrating the local culture of Mangalore. The stage is supported by pillars commonly found in Guthu Manes. The doors are palatial, intricately designed, and come from Dr. Alva’s collection of antiques. Each door costs around Rs. 1.5 lakh. Shilabalikes of the type found at Hampi will adorn this stage, which will also be decorated with tender arecanuts and paddy.

The stage is 160ft wide, 60ft long, and 35ft high and has been designed in such a way that the audience can have an unrestricted view of what is happening on it. A couple of green rooms, a VIP room, and a store room are attached to this stage. A media centre with 30 computers and all required facilities such as broadband connection also forms part of the stage.

The organizers are expecting a 10,000-strong audience, including the above-mentioned participants. Around 4000 plastic chairs have been placed at the outermost zone of the venue. The stadium chairs can accommodate around 7,000 people. Besides, 2000 chairs have been arranged for participants, 1000 chairs for officers, 200 chairs for reporters, and 1,500 special VIP and VVIP couches for dignitaries.