Udupi: Udupi is set to host a three-day national-level banana fair titled ‘Kadali Vishwadarshana’ from November 29 to December 1, bringing together farmers, agricultural experts, researchers and entrepreneurs from across India. The event will showcase more than 150 banana varieties, over 100 banana bunches and a range of value-added products made from different parts of the plant.

The fair is being organised by the Sode Sri Vadiraja Math as part of the preparations for the second Paryaya of Sri Vishwavallabha Tirtha Swamiji for the 2028–30 period. A traditional banana planting ceremony, known as Baale Muhurta, will also be held on November 29.

The event will take place near the parking area of Sri Krishna Math in Udupi. Organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors, including around 2,000 farmers, 2,000 students, researchers and entrepreneurs.

Traditional Baale Muhurta on November 29

The Baale Muhurta ceremony will be performed on the morning of November 29 as part of the religious and traditional preparations for the upcoming Paryaya.

The rituals will begin at 6.30 am with prayers before the presiding deity of Sode Math. Prayers will subsequently be offered at the shrines of Sri Chandreshwara, Sri Anantheshwara and Sri Krishna Mukhyaprana.

At the auspicious Vrischika Lagna at 7.45 am, banana, sugarcane and tulsi plants will be planted in the garden within the Sode Math premises.

Sri Vishwavallabha Tirtha Swamiji, along with the math’s Diwan, court scholars, pandits, devotees and other dignitaries, will participate in the ceremony.

The tradition of Baale Muhurta holds religious significance in the Paryaya system followed by Udupi’s Ashta Maths. The organisers aim to connect this traditional practice with contemporary agricultural development through the national banana fair.

More than 150 banana varieties to be showcased

One of the main attractions of Kadali Vishwadarshana will be the display of more than 100 banana bunches belonging to different varieties.

Visitors will also get an opportunity to explore over 150 types of banana varieties, purchase fruits and buy banana saplings. Farmers and growers from different parts of the country will bring their varieties and products for display.

India is home to more than 500 banana varieties, and some of them do not have specific names. As part of a special initiative, Sode Math plans to select one distinctive unnamed variety and formally give it a name during the fair.

The initiative is expected to highlight the importance of preserving traditional banana varieties and creating awareness about the country’s agricultural diversity.

Banana-based value-added products to be displayed

The fair will also highlight the commercial potential of banana cultivation through displays and sales of food products, processed items and useful products made from different parts of the plant.

Banana-based food products, items made from banana stems and leaves, and handicrafts produced using banana fibre will be showcased. Textile products and eco-friendly articles made from banana fibre will also be available.

Demonstrations will explain how parts of the banana plant, often treated as agricultural waste, can be converted into useful products and additional sources of income for farmers and entrepreneurs.

National research institutions to share expertise

Farmers and entrepreneurs from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, including Jalgaon, will participate in the event and display their products.

Scientists from the National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, will share information about recent research, improved cultivation techniques and new technologies in banana farming.

Experts from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, will provide guidance on banana processing, food technology and the development of value-added products.

Their participation is expected to help farmers understand how scientific methods and food processing can improve productivity and create additional business opportunities.

Forty stalls to be provided free of cost

Around 40 exhibition and sales stalls will be arranged at the fair. These will feature banana varieties, fruits, agricultural products, value-added items, handicrafts and farming technologies.

The organisers have decided to provide stall space and basic infrastructure free of cost for all three days. The initiative is intended to ensure that small farmers and entrepreneurs are not prevented from showcasing their products because of financial constraints.

The fair will therefore offer a platform for growers, small businesses and agricultural innovators to connect with customers and potential buyers.

Drawing competition for school students

As part of the programme, a drawing competition based on banana cultivation and the importance of the banana plant will be organised for students from Classes 1 to 10 in Udupi district.

The competition will be held on November 22 at 9 am at the Yakshagana Kalaaranga auditorium on Beedinagudde Road.

The best entries will be selected, and prizes will be distributed to the winners during the concluding ceremony of the banana fair.

Special lectures on farming and entrepreneurship

Special lectures focusing on banana cultivation, conservation and entrepreneurship will be held during the three-day event.

  • November 29, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm: Progressive farmer and banana variety conservationist Dr Prasad Rama Hegde from Yellapur will speak on Baalu Belagisuva Baale, highlighting the importance of banana varieties and their conservation.
  • November 29: Mysuru-based agricultural entrepreneur Naveen Kumar H.M. will speak on banana-based flour and its nutritional value, sharing his experience of moving from agriculture towards food processing and industry.
  • November 30, 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm: Varsha Srikanthaswamy, founder of Aakriti Eco Friendly Enterprises, Chamarajanagar, will deliver a lecture on converting banana waste into useful products and income-generating opportunities through banana-fibre crafts and environmentally friendly products.

The sessions are expected to offer practical insights into how farmers can diversify their activities and explore entrepreneurship beyond conventional cultivation.

Blending religious tradition with agricultural innovation

The ‘Kadali Vishwadarshana’ fair aims to bring together religious tradition, agricultural science, research, product development and entrepreneurship on a single platform.

With the participation of farmers, scientists, students, researchers, entrepreneurs and public representatives, the event is expected to create awareness about banana diversity and its economic potential.

By combining the traditional Baale Muhurta ceremony with a national-level agricultural exhibition, Sode Math hopes to encourage the conservation of banana varieties, promote scientific farming and create new opportunities for growers and small-scale businesses.