Media Release

Bengaluru, Jul 24: The Kundapura Kannada Pratishtana (R) will host the sixth edition of Kundapura Kannada Habba on July 26 and 27 at Nandi Link Grounds, near Hosakerehalli NICE Road Junction, Bengaluru.

Addressing a press meet, Dr Deepak Shetty Barkur, president of Kundapura Kannada Pratishtana, said that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the event on Saturday, July 26, at 5 PM. On the occasion, the much-anticipated Kundapura Kannada Adhyayana Peetha will be formally launched by CM Siddaramaiah, Assembly Speaker U T Khader, BAMUL president D K Suresh, former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde, and MLAs Kiran Kumar Kodgi and Gurme Suresh Shetty.

The demand for the Adhyayana Peetha was first raised four years ago during the same festival. The government has now sanctioned its establishment under Mangalore University, with grants already released, he informed.

As part of the celebrations, ‘Oora Gaurava’ (Pride of Our Land) awards will be presented to distinguished personalities from Kundapura. On July 26, Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, chairman of Manipal Hospitals, will be honoured in the presence of the Chief Minister. On July 27, renowned film director Yogaraj Bhat will be felicitated in the presence of deputy CM D K Shivakumar.

Prominent personalities such as Rishab Shetty, Pramod Shetty, Praveer Shetty, Shine Shetty, music director Ravi Basrur, and actress Rakshita Prem are expected to participate. Though named Kundapura Kannada Habba, the event is a celebration for all Kannadigas. Entry is free and open to all.

Over 400 artistes will perform across the two-day cultural extravaganza. Highlights include Attanige Aata (a special Yakshagana performance), a Kundapura food fair, and the Kundapura Santha showcasing local products, said organizing secretary Raghavendra Kanchan.

Though Aashada Amavasya (Karkataka Amavasya), considered sacred by coastal communities, falls on July 24 this year, the event will be held on July 26–27 to accommodate dignitaries and better logistics.

Event schedule

Saturday, July 26 (from 9:30 AM):

• Savra Hannina Vasanta – Fruit fair

• Houndarayaana Valga – Traditional ritual

• Kundapradadduge – Food fair

• Mookajjiya Kanasugalu – Book exhibition

• Swara Kundapra – Music concert

• Pattanga – Panel discussion on heritage

• Barkoorina Hadga – Dance presentation

• Noopura Sanchaara – Cultural program by Alva’s Education Foundation

• Attanige Aata – Yakshagana (Daksha Yajna)

• Special Felicitation – Aarike Nirashritara Ashrama, Bengaluru

Sunday, July 27 (from 9:30 AM):

• Pillangoviya Cheluva Krishnana – Musical performance by Dr Vidyabhushana

• Baala Gopaala – Children's Yaksha dance fest

• Handadi Quiz – Hosted by Manu Handaadi

• Chandaamudi – Mr & Miss Kundapura contest

• Kaalinga-Kaalinga – Poetry recitals by Kalinga Navada and P Kalinga Raya

• Raghu Dixit Live Concert

• Special Felicitations – Clean Kundapura, Save Our Ocean initiatives

Throughout both days: Tiger dance, Koraga drum performance, Holi dance, band sets, fireworks, Kundapura Santha, and Ilkani Kundapra (a digital tour of Kundapura).

Dignitaries attending

Inauguration (July 26):

• CM Siddaramaiah

• Speaker U T Khader

• BAMUL President D K Suresh

• MLAs Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Gurme Suresh Shetty

• Former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde

• Mangalore University Registrar Raju Mogaveera

• Kota Geethananda Pratishtana's Anand C Kundar

• Karnataka State Hotel Owners’ Association President K Gopal Shetty

• Music director Ravi Basrur, actress Rakshita Prem

• Lifeline Tender Chicken MD Kishore Hegde, VL Group MD Anjali Vijay, AS Groups MD Satish Shetty

Valedictory (July 27):

• Deputy CM D K Shivakumar

• MRJ Group CMD Prakash Shetty, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole

• Actor-director Rishab Shetty, journalist Jogi (Girish Rao)

• Upendra Shetty (Universal Group of Institutes), actors Pramod, Praveer, Shine Shetty

• Business leaders Kishore Hegde, Anjali Vijay, and Satish Shetty

The press conference was attended by honorary president Uday Hegde, vice president Narasimha Bijadi, treasurer Vijay Shetty Haladi, H Amarnath Shetty, CA Vijay Shetty, Prasad Shetty, and others.