Mangalore, February 11: The ninth edition of two-day festival in honour of Rani Abbakka, the Ullal queen who fought against the Portuguese rule five centuries ago, began at Uchila Bovi School ground at Sankolige, Someshwar near here, on Saturday.
The main attraction of the inaugural function was a colourful procession from Kotekar to the venue. A woman riding a horse signifying Rani Abbakka led the procession that comprised various folk arts such as “Keelu Kudure”, “Yakshagana Gombe”, “Gombe Balaga”, “Navilu Nrutya” and “Daapu”. Mangalore MLA U T Khader inaugurated the procession.
Addressing the gathering at the formal function, Mangalore MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that he had asked the Union Government to rename the New Mangalore Port Trust after Rani Abbakka, whom he admired as a model for every woman of Tulu Nadu.
Energy Minister Shoba Karandlaje laid emphasis on the importance of preserving the independence and culture of the country. “Elected representatives bear a great responsibility in this regard”, she said.
She also called upon the new generation to be inspired from the life of Rani Abbakka.
She also suggested the State Government to extend the Abbakka Utsava to different parts of Karnataka, instead of confining it to Ullal and surrounding areas.
Mr Khader said that we should utilize the platform of Abbakka Utsava to spread the message of communal harmony.
MLC Ganesh Karnik, former president of Karnataka Sahithya Parishath Harikrishna Punarooru were present among the others.
While the seven editions were organized by Veerarani Abbakka Utsava Samiti with help and support from philanthropists and donors, the Utsava has received state support in the last two editions, including the current one with a funding of Rs 25 lakh.
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