Udupi: A vibrant cultural event titled ‘Madarengida Rang’ was held at Jagannath Sabha Bhavan, jointly organised by Udupi Tulu Koota, the Kannada and Culture Department, and the Tulunad Dhavna Tulu online publication.
Inaugurating the event, Purnima, Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department in Udupi, stressed the importance of passing on traditional Tulu customs to the younger generation. She highlighted that the heritage cherished by our ancestors must be preserved and celebrated.
Jayakar Shetty Indrali, President of Tulu Koota, emphasized the need to embrace Tulu culture in daily life. He noted that familiarising children with the natural richness of Tulunad is essential, and such programs play a key role in globalising Tulu language and traditions.
Prominent personalities including Radhakrishna Mendon from Malpe Sri Gnanajyothi Bhajana Mandir, entrepreneur Shruti G. Shenoy, Jeba Selvan of Belapu Women and Child Welfare Institute, model Vidya Saraswati, and Reshma Tota, founder of We Care Organization, graced the occasion as chief guests.
Traditional healer Bhaskara Poojary Hiriyadka was honoured for his contributions. Bhuvan Prasad Hegde and Gangadhar Kidiyur, Tulu Koota Secretary, also shared the dais. Yashoda Keshav welcomed the gathering, while Kriti Moodubettu anchored the event.
Unique contests were held for students, such as leaf-blown instruments (peempiri), jackfruit seed peeling, balancing madaranga, wild fruit identification, coconut shell crafts, hair braiding, headscarf tying, floral garland making, gravel decoration, wick tying, flower arrangements, Tulu script writing, and Tulu-themed quizzes.