Month-long Karavali Utsav kicks off in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 21, 2025: Dakshina Kannada District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday said that the State government has sanctioned a grant of ₹2 crore for the month-long Karavali Utsava to be held in Mangaluru. He was speaking after inaugurating Karavali Utsava 2025–26, a confluence of cultural, sports and entertainment activities, at the Karavali Utsava Grounds in the city. The festival is being organised by the Dakshina Kannada district administration in association with local organisations.

Mr. Gundu Rao said that for the first time the State government has extended a substantial grant to the Karavali Utsava, and added that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar would be invited to the valedictory programme.

Stating that festivals like the Karavali Utsava promote fraternity, love and mutual trust among people, he said the coastal region has a rich historical legacy in culture and sports. The enthusiastic participation of the public, he noted, has been key to the success of such events.

He further said that the Karavali Utsava would create a festive atmosphere in Mangaluru and surrounding areas for an entire month. The coastal districts, he added, have been playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Karnataka’s art, language and culture. He also lauded the people of the region for their talent and achievements in sports and various other fields, bringing recognition to both the State and the country.

Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath presided over the programme. Legislative Council members Dr. Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D’Souza, MESCOM Chairman Harish Kumar, Karavali Development Authority Chairman M. A. Gafoor, Cashew Development Corporation Chairperson Mamatha Gatti, Karnataka Eco-Tourism Board Chairperson Shalette Lavina Pinto, Karnataka State Seed and Organic Certification Agency Chairperson Lavanya Ballal, Are Bhasha Culture and Literature Academy Chairman Sadananda Mavji, Ganiga Development Corporation Chairman Vishwas Kumar Das, State Labour Minimum Wages Advisory Board Chairman T. M. Shaheed, Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Reddy, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbhari, Deputy Conservator of Forests Anthony Mariappa and Deputy Commissioner Darshan H. V. were present.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju K. welcomed the gathering, while Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.