Belagavi: The highly anticipated Kithur Utsav is making a grand comeback, with festivities scheduled from October 23 to 25. Kithur MLA Babasaheb Patil announced that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would not be able to attend the festival’s inauguration this year due to his commitments to Dussehra celebrations in Mysore. Patil, in a joint press conference during Kittur Utsav 2023, unveiled plans for the upcoming celebration, promising a spectacular event within the Kittoor Fort.
District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarakiholi will inaugurate the main stage programs of the Kithur Festival. The event has received a government grant of Rs. 2 crore out of the requested Rs. 5 crore to ensure a successful celebration. This year, the Kithur Festival will run concurrently with the Kakati Festival, held in Channamma’s hometown Kakati.
The festival offers a remarkable lineup of performances, including Sanchita Hegde’s troupe on October 23 and the renowned film music director Hamsalekha’s troupe on October 25, performing Sangeet Rasamanjari. Over the three days, the festival will feature a variety of sports, cultural programs, and performances by talented folk artists.
Babasaheb Patil highlighted that the district administration has provided opportunities to talented artists from different parts of Karnataka who have earned national recognition. In anticipation of the grand event, the 2023 Kithur Utsav Jyoti was welcomed by the Belgaum district administration with a traditional puja ceremony. The ceremony included welcoming rituals performed by Dollu Kunita and Karadi Kunita artists. Distinguished figures, including MLAs Asif Seth and Babasaheb Patil, the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Belgaum DC Nitesh Patil, and Corporation Commissioner Ashoka Dudgunti, were present to convey their warm regards to the Kittur Utsav Jyoti.
