Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Jun 24: The annual global celebration of the 'Kundapra Kannada Day', organised by Kundapra Kannada Pratishthana (R), will be held this year as “Kundapra Kannada Habba–2025” in Bengaluru on July 26 and 27. The grand two-day cultural extravaganza will take place at Nandi Link Grounds, Hosakerehalli, NICE Road Junction.
At the curtain raiser event titled 'Valga' held at Sudheeksha Convention Centre, Magadi Road, president of the Pratishthana Dr Deepak Shetty shared details of the much-awaited event. Like every year, this edition promises unique celebrations and a massive turnout, with seating arrangements made for over 5,000 people.
The fest will showcase a full day of diverse programmes on both days, with one prominent achiever from Kundapura origin to be felicitated each day. The names of chief guests and other honourees will be announced soon, said Dr Shetty.
Vibrant cultural festivities planned
Along with a range of stage events, traditional performances like Hulivesha, Koraga Dollu, Bili Pataki, Navaratri Vesha, Haggajaggata, and local sports will be part of the outdoor attractions. A special attraction will be the Kundapra Santhé, featuring unique items native to Kundapura.
Among those present at the event were honorary president Uday Hegde, vice-president Narasimha Bijadi, treasurer Vijay Shetty Haladi, secretary Raghavendra Kanchan, joint secretary Ajith Shetty Ultur, entrepreneur Shivaram Hegde, Karnataka State Hotel Association president G K Shetty, festival conveners Udaykumar Shetty Padukare and Vasant Giliyar, and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike’s Praveen Kumar Shetty and Shivananda Shetty, among others.
Panel discussion on Kundapura Kannada Chair
A special panel discussion was held regarding the Kundapura Kannada Chair established at Mangalore University. Former MP K Jayaprakash Hegde, who participated in the discussion, noted that CM Siddaramaiah had sanctioned Rs 1.5 cr for the chair during a previous Kundapra Kannada Habba. Public opinion has already been gathered in Kundapura and similar feedback will now be collected in Bengaluru, he said. Chair member K C Rajesh and others were also present.
Exciting lineup of programmes at Kundapra Kannada Habba 2025
• Saur Hannina Vasantha – A seasonal fruit fest
• Houdarayana Valga – Folk showcase
• Kundapradduge: Uppinhodi to Madimani Oota – Culinary heritage showcase
• Mookajjiya Kanasugalu: Book Takani Book – Book exhibition and literary corner
• Swara Kundapra: Nam Oormane Makla Haaduhase – Musical performance by local youth
• Pattanga: Maatina Chaavadi – Open forum discussion
• Barkoorina Hadga – Dance drama (World Premiere)
• Opening and Closing Ceremony – Honouring two notable personalities of Kundapura origin
• Attangi Aata – Twin-stage Yakshagana extravaganza (major attraction)
• Inauguration by noted writer Vaidehi
• Pillangoviya Cheluva Krishnana – Devotional concert by Dr Vidyabhushan, modeled on the show’s US success
• Baala Gopaala – Children’s Yaksha Nritya conclave
• Handaadi Quiz – Interactive quiz on Kundapura by Manu Handaadi
• Midkani – Celebrity fashion show showcasing the beauty and grace of Kundapra’s women
• Kaalinga-Kaalinga – Recital of poems and verses by Bhagavatha Kaalinga Navada and singer P. Kaalinga Raya
• Raasa Leela – Special performance by Alva’s students
• Ilkaani Kundapra – A documentary capturing the essence and charm of Kundapura
• Dyasi: Tangre Tangli – A unique light-and-shadow show
• Sangeetha Sanje – Musical evening
The organisers said the event promises to be a cultural feast, highlighting the rich linguistic and folk traditions of Kundapura Kannada, while uniting the diaspora and local community in shared celebration.