'Karavali Utsav 2014' in December

The Dakshina Kannada district administration has decided to organise the annual 'Karavali Utsav,' the biggest cultural festival of the city, in a colourful, grand manner this year with the aim of unfolding the coastal culture of Karnataka to the world.

The 12-day festival, beginning on December 20, would feature cultural and music festivals, food festival and exhibition stalls, an official release here said today.

State Forests Minister and district in charge B Ramanath Rai convened a meeting here yesterday to discuss preparations for the festival. He said it should be ensured this year's festival attracted the maximum number of people from across the state.

Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said Rs 1.5 crore had been earmarked this year for the festival to make it more vibrant. About Rs 50 lakh each was expected from the state government, sponsors and through sale of exhibition stalls.

The exhibition stalls and related activities would be arranged at the Karavali exhibition grounds, while cultural and weekend special programmes would be held at the Kadri park. A renowned artiste would be invited to render a musical performance during the festival, he said.

Minister of State for Sports and Youth Empowerment K Abhayachandra Jain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sadashiva Prabhu and other officials attended the meeting, the release said.