Mangaluru: The annual Karavali Utsav will commence on December 20 this year, with a wide range of cultural, adventure and tourism-focused programmes planned across multiple locations in Dakshina Kannada district. Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V announced the schedule while chairing a preparatory review meeting at the DC’s office on Tuesday.
The deputy commissioner said the main event of Karavali Utsav will be held at the designated Karavali Utsav grounds in Mangaluru city, while several parallel programmes will be organised across beaches, parks and public venues to attract tourists and local residents alike.
Focus on beaches to boost coastal tourism
A major highlight of this year’s Karavali Utsav is the emphasis on beach-based activities aimed at promoting the district’s coastline as a prime tourist destination. Special programmes will be organised across six major beaches—Panambur, Ullal, Someshwar, Sasihithlu, Tannirbhavi and the Blue Flag Beach at Tannirbhavi.
Adventure sports activities will be held at Sasihithlu Beach, which has already gained popularity for water sports and river-sea confluence experiences. The Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach will host a wine, cheese and cake festival, offering visitors a curated culinary experience in a scenic setting.
Sports, music and wellness events planned
In addition to food-related events, a music festival and a triathlon competition are planned at Tannirbhavi Beach, combining entertainment with fitness and endurance sports. These events are expected to draw participation from both local athletes and visitors from outside the district.
Ullal Beach will be the venue for various sports events, including football, volleyball and other outdoor games. Cultural programmes showcasing regional art forms will be organised at Panambur Beach, while Someshwar Beach will host a musical evening along with yoga sessions, catering to visitors seeking relaxation and wellness-oriented activities.
Cultural programmes and food festivals
Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V said a wide range of cultural events aimed at attracting people of all age groups will be conducted throughout the festival period. Food festivals will be organised at all participating beaches, featuring a variety of local and coastal delicacies, giving visitors a taste of the region’s traditional cuisine.
The objective is to combine culture, cuisine and tourism under one umbrella to create a festive atmosphere across the district during Karavali Utsav.
Events at Kadri Park, city and Pilikula
Beyond beach venues, several programmes are planned at prominent locations within Mangaluru city. Kala Parbha, an exhibition highlighting art and culture, along with a flower show, will be held at Kadri Park. A film festival showcasing selected films will also be organised in the city as part of the celebrations.
Football tournaments are scheduled to take place at the Nehru Maidan football ground on December 27 and 28, adding a competitive sports element to the festivities. In addition, programmes will be organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama, further expanding the geographical spread of the festival.
Helicopter rides to add attraction
To further enhance public interest and provide a unique experience to visitors, helicopter rides have also been arranged as part of the Karavali Utsav. Officials believe this initiative will be a major attraction, especially for tourists visiting the district during the festival period.
Officials attend preparatory meeting
The review meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari, Assistant Commissioner Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Mithun H N, and Deputy Conservator of Forests Antony S Mariyappa. Arrangements related to security, traffic management, crowd control and coordination between departments were discussed during the meeting.
Conclusion
With a diverse mix of cultural programmes, adventure sports, food festivals and entertainment events spread across beaches and city venues, Karavali Utsav 2024 is expected to draw large crowds and boost tourism in Dakshina Kannada. District authorities have assured that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure smooth conduct of the festival and a memorable experience for visitors.