Udupi: The Karnataka Janapada Parishad UAE unit will be inaugurated alongside the International Folk Festival on September 6 and 7 at the Ramidrim five-star hotel in Dubai, UAE.
Festival director and Katapady Vanasuma Trust president Basuma Kodagu announced the event at a press conference, stating that the initiative aims to take Karnataka’s folk traditions to a global audience. More than ten renowned folk groups from across the state will perform, bringing vibrant cultural expressions to the international stage.
Performances will feature Kangilu of the coast, Huli Kunita, Marathi Holi dance, Yakshagana Gombeyata, Dollu Kunita, Soligara dance, and Kamsale, among others.
The inauguration will be graced by Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi, along with former ministers H. Anjaneya, Dr. Mohan Alva, Prof. Radhakrishna, and Karnataka Janapada Parishad President H.C. Boralingaiah. Sadan Das, President of the UAE Janapada Parishad unit, will preside.
Two eminent folk scholars, Rani Machayya (Kodagu) and Malavalli Mahadeva (Mysuru), will be felicitated with the ‘H.L. Nagegowda Folk Award’. Senior art patron Varadaraj Shetty, promoter of the Rami Hotel Group, will be conferred the title ‘Kannada Kalaposhaka’.
The event is expected to attract over 2,000 representatives from multiple countries. Alongside performances, the festival will also host seminars, art exhibitions, and cultural displays.
Festival coordinator Prashant Acharya and Vani Kodagu were also present at the briefing.