Kudla Pelakai Parba 2025 Kicks Off With a Flavourful Tribute to Jackfruit

Mangaluru: The two-day Kudla Pelakai Parba 2025, a vibrant jackfruit festival celebrating local flavours and traditions, was inaugurated by Fr Walter D’Souza, parish priest of St Sebastian Bendoorwell Church, at the St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, near St Agnes College on Friday.

Organised by Honeygenics Bee Farms, the event will run from 8 am to 10 pm over two days, offering a delightful, eco-conscious, and family-oriented celebration centered around jackfruit, locally known as Pelakai.

The festival features live cooking demonstrations by seasoned chefs, preparing a rich variety of jackfruit-based dishes including traditional sweets, spicy curries, chips, and more. A special arts and crafts section highlights the fruit’s cultural significance through innovative creations.

A farmers’ market has also been set up, offering fresh produce, jackfruit saplings, and local organic products. Adding to the festive mood are cultural shows, interactive contests, and a kids’ zone with engaging games and activities.

Entry to the event is free, and organisers have extended a warm welcome to families, food lovers, and cultural enthusiasts to immerse themselves in coastal Karnataka’s heritage and culinary creativity.

Dignitaries present at the launch included Ashwin Sequeira (Proprietor, Honeygenics), Praveen (Horticulture Dept), Stany Alvares (Konkani Sahitya Academy), Anil Lobo (MCC Bank), Rohan Pereira Vamanjoor (RO International), Sudharshan Bhat, Naveen D’Souza (former corporator), Bhaskar Rai (Mangalore Press Club VP), Sheldon Crasta (co-organiser), and Brian Pinto (Rotary Club).