DHNS, 08-01-2011 05:55:03

Rides, food and shopping spree is all here with Karavali Utsava.

　

　

A delight among shoppers, a hang out for teenagers, fun time for kids, treat for foodies and a gala time for everybody, Karavali Utsava is back with a bang to spread fun and frolic among all age groups in the coastal district.

 

 

 

 

The Utsava that was inaugurated on December 22 by Dr Veerendra Heggade has stalls selling items from different states, amusement rides, food courts and a cultural fete with performances from various artists. The fest is usually held in the month of December - January after the Mysore Dasara exhibition so that the stalls from the Dasara exhibition can exhibit their items here, informed Karavali Utsava 2010 Organising Managing Partner Yogish Kumar K S.

 

 

 

 

Stalls

Vendors from different parts of the country have come under one roof to give a shopping fete for the shopping freaks.

When the Haryana and Rajasthan handloom shop is attracting many home makers who are mismatching curtains and bed sheets for their homes, teenagers seem to be ransacking the shop that has trendy jewellery.

"I mostly come here to buy clothes and jewellery as we get a range of varieties and that too for a very affordable price," says Bhavana who has already picked up some trendy collections.

Lidkar and Athani chappals, leather bags from Shanthi Niketan (Kolkota), dress materials, sarees from Mumbai, kitchen items and handicrafts are some popular stalls in exhibition. "We had a very good business last year, but this year, the business seems to be low. We hope it may pick up in the following days," says Rehann from Delhi who has a stall of artificial flowers.

Few shops from government and societies have made way to the exhibition. The shop from Pilikula artisans village is attracting a huge audience with its antique items, pottery, cane furniture and stone carvings.

"The ayurvedic oil which we extract in ‘Ghana,’ with traditional bullock driven churners may be pricier than the market prices but we can assure 100 per cent quality," says Pilikula Artisans Village Marketing Organiser Ganesh Nayak.

Kannada and Tulu Sahithya book stall from DK Kannada Tulu and Kannada Sahithya Parishat has more than 200 different books giving an insight into the rich culture of our state and region. Pickles, herbal juices, papaads, Night dresses from cottage industries and self help groups are making good business at the fete.

Apart from that few famous companies like Godrej, Hindware, Alukkas have also set up stalls to attract customers. There are more than 50 stalls in the exhibition venue.

Amusement park

A mini amusement park with more than 15 rides is adding to the delight of the crowd. When the colombus, giant wheel, break dance and super dragon are giving an adrenaline rush to the teenage folk, the kiddies are all cheered up with merry go rounds and inflatable jumpers. The room with funny mirrors and the magic kit stall by Kudroli Ganesh are also delighting the audience.

Apart from the rides, there were also stalls with lucky games and some even assured prizes. Ring the prize, lucky number, smashing the tumblers are some games where many try their luck.

The electronic sketch where audience could get a sketch of themselves in 2 minutes had many families lining up to have a family picture artistically sketched.

Food court

The foodies seemed to stuff themselves with the chilli pakoddas, chaats and masala papadds. Gobi Manchury, cotton candy, pop corn are the other delicacies present and sugar cane juice was the perfect thirst quencher for those who were tired after a long stroll in the exhibition.

There were many stalls selling fried nuts and chips. "We have a wide range of mouth fresheners and all are priced from Rs 10," says Ravi from Mysore.

Cultural fete

Cultural programmes are all set to glee the audience. In fact, a total of 56 performances (either by group or solo) would enthral Mangaloreans in the days to come. Various academies, school and college students will be giving programmes at the exhibition grounds which start at 6 pm everyday. A Tulu drama by Devdas Kappikaad on January 12 at 7 pm is sure to enthrall the audience, says one of the organisers. "Karavali Utsava patronises young artistes and showcases the cultural aspects of the district. The cultural extravaganza gives an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their talents allowing the audience to enjoy the versatile concerts of various art forms," said Additional Deputy Commissioner Prabhakara Sharma.

Timings

The concerts and exhibition will be open on all days till February 5. The entry ticket has been priced at Rs 15 for adults on all working days and Rs 20 on weekends and holidays.
Children from 4th to 10th standard get 50 per cent discount on their tickets and entry is free for children below 4th standard.