Belagavi : The three-day Kittur Utsav will begin Friday, featuring music, folk traditions, sports and literary events, with singers Rajesh Krishnan , Arjun Janya , Shamita Malnad and Chandan Shetty headlining the celebrations.
For the first time, organisers have chosen a civil society representative rather than a politician to inaugurate the festival. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene farmer leader Chukki Nanjundaswamy will open the event. On the second day, former minister Laxmi Hebbalkar will participate in a symposium on the history and legacy of the Kittur dynasty. Poets K Sharifa and Gurudevi Hulleppanavarmath will participate in a poetry recital. Playback singer Rajesh Krishnan will perform in the evening, while cultural and artistic programmes will be held simultaneously on two additional stages. Music director Arjun Janya and his troupe will perform on the final day, while actor Sharan will present a comedy show. Chief minister DK Shivakumar is expected to attend the valedictory function. Water sports, kabaddi, volleyball and wrestling competitions will also be held during the festival.
Deputy commissioner Mohammad Toshan will unfurl the festival flag before the ceremonial reception of Kittur Rani Chennamma’s Vijaya Jyoti at historic Kittur Fort in the presence of district minister Satish Jarkiholi .