Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at Adarsh Palm Retreat
“We wanted to create an authentic festival atmosphere for the entire neighbourhood,” said Bhagath Reddy, trustee of APR Kannada Sangha. Organisers said the event was also aimed at introducing children and young residents to art forms that are increasingly struggling to survive. Giving rural practitioners a platform right in our neighbourhood enriched our celebrations and instilled cultural pride in our younger generation,” said Chetana Prasad, trustee of APR Kannada Sangha. “Indigenous folk traditions require sustained backing to remain viable, and this initiative provided a direct way to support rural artists and preserve their crafts,” said Aravind Gowda, senior director of communications at Tekion.
Towering Chilipili Gombe puppets, Mangaluru’s Hulivesha dancers, Sattige Kunitha and Puravanthike performances offered residents a glimpse of the state’s diverse cultural traditions. A special attraction was an all-women Mahila Veeragase troupe from Chikkamagaluru, challenging traditional gender barriers in the Shaivite warrior dance form. “Many of these folk forms carry centuries of oral history, preserved against immense modern economic odds. The participating artists received support through Janapada Siri, a CSR initiative backed by Benaka and Tekion.