Two-day cultural fest of all things Karnataka opens

Bengaluru: Krishna to Kaveri, a two-day cultural festival organised by Azim Premji University, in association with the Bangalore International Centre (BIC), opened on Saturday. 

It was inaugurated by theatre and film director T S Nagabharana, and the Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, Dharanidevi Malagatti. The inauguration was followed by a procession of folk artistes showcasing Ummathat - Kodava Dance, Dollu Kunitha, Jaggahalige, Somanna Kunita and Goravana Kunita. 

Malagatti recalled the historic fight led by Potti Sreeramalu who led a 56-day fast unto death and died on December 15, 1952. 

“Sreeramalu’s sacrifice led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953, which was the catalyst for further linguistic division of states formalised on November 1, 1956. In Karnataka, we have to remember Shankare Gowda, who led a 23-day fast for the fight for linguistic statehood.

However, the veteran journalist, the late Patil Puttappa, convinced him to end the strike as discussions for statehood were being seriously considered,” she said. 

The festival has drawn inspiration from Karnataka’s rivers (Krishna and Kaveri) that traverse diverse geographies and aims to serve as a bridge, connecting the state’s various cultural and linguistic traditions. 

“Presented bilingually in Kannada and English, the carefully curated programme will feature over 20 events spanning traditional performing arts, contemporary expressions, academic discussions, and hands-on workshops,” the organisers said in a statement. 

The festival also offered a food mela featuring cuisine from Mysuru, Kalyana Karnataka, Kodagu and coastal Karnataka.