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Kittur Utsav Honors Rani Channamma's 202nd Victory
25 Oct
Summary
- The 202nd Kittur Utsav celebrated Rani Channamma's historic victory.
- The three-day festival featured diverse cultural programs and exhibitions.
- Activists raised concerns about women's independence and farmer suicides.
The 202nd Kittur Utsav, a three-day celebration honoring Rani Channamma's historic 1824 victory against the British, recently concluded. This year's festival featured a wide array of events, including seminars on heritage and literature, cultural performances, sports, and a notable livestock exhibition. Thousands of attendees from across India participated in the festivities.
A grand four-kilometer procession, reflecting the pride of Kittur Karnataka, showcased diverse art forms like Dollu, Yakshagana, and Gombe Kunita. Art troupes from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala added to the multicultural display, with a highlight being the 'Om Parashakti' troupe from Kerala, drawing significant public attention.
Pro-farmer activist Chukki Nanjundaswamy inaugurated the Utsav, using the platform to address critical social issues. She spoke about the disparity in freedom for women, referencing increasing female foeticide, and criticized the organizers for limited female representation on stage. Nanjundaswamy also raised concerns about farmer suicides in Karnataka, urging government accountability.
The Utsav expanded its offerings this year with the inclusion of exhibitions and livestock fairs, which proved to be a major attraction. Various breeds of cattle, bulls, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens were displayed, featuring over 500 animals. Popular musical performances by artists like Chandan Shetty, Shamita Malnad, Rajesh Krishnan, and Arjun Janya entertained the crowds throughout the event.
