Mangaluru, Dec 25: Karavali Utsav 2014 began on an optimistic note amid calls that the D.K. district should regain its past glory and communally harmonious atmosphere.

‘Karavali Utsav’ kicked off with a colourful procession, flagged off by veteran theatre artiste Sadananda Suvarna at Nehru Maidan. The procession passed through Hampankatta, KS Rao Road, PVS Circle, MG Road and culminated at Karavali Utsav Maidan.

Vinaya Hegde, chairman of Nitte Education Trust along with Dakshina Kannada district in-charge and minister for forest, environment and ecology B Ramanath Rai inaugurated the Karavali Utsav at Karavali Utsav Maidan and Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo presided over the function.

Inaugurating the 10-day festivities, educationist Nitte N. Vinay Hegde said that the festival started three decades ago with much hope, making the district a desired destination for all. Over the years, nothing much has changed and since about six years, only the atmosphere of hatred was visible, he regretted.

Distric Minister Ramanath Rai, K. Minister Abhayachandra Jain, Ministers U.T. Khader.Mayor Mahabala Marla, festival cultural committee president Pradeep Kumar Kalkura , Beach Festival Committee convener Yatish Baikampady Others were present.

Courtesy: manipal world news