Mangaluru: District minister UT Khader Sunday directed officials to organise diverse cultural and literary programmes that attract the public during this year’s Karavali Utsav, to be held in Dec.Presiding over a preparatory meeting on organising the Utsav at the deputy commissioner’s office, he said top priority will be given to programmes highlighting the coastal region’s unique folk art, culture and heritage.To attract youth, elders and tourists, officials should provide a suitable platform for local artists, and organise cultural performances by national-level artist troupes. The Minister said the coastal region should specially organise traditional sports meets, beach festivals, and a diverse ‘Food Fest’ featuring coastal delicacies.Key attractions he directed officials to organise include a helicopter ride, triathlon, vintage car rally, bike riders’ stunt show and Yoga practice.Officials should also arrange a street food festival, a coastal-style seafood festival, and a ‘Fruit and Flower Show’, along with diverse cultural performances, musical shows, entertainment music nights, a film festival, and a folk festival. The Minister further suggested a dog show and a local livestock exhibition.In light of Tulu receiving the status of second official language in coastal districts, he directed officials to organise a grand and meaningful programme reflecting Tulu literature and culture.He also directed officials to conduct separate competitions and programmes for women.State Minimum Wages Advisory Board chairman TM Shahid, deputy commissioner Darshan HV, City police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy, zilla panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey, additional deputy commissioner K Raju and others were present.
