Villagers join a procession as part of the Kittur Utsav in Kakati, the birthplace of Rani Channamma, on Thursday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER
Kittur Utsav, a state-sponsored festival celebrating the 201st anniversary of Rani Channamma’s victory against East India Company forces, was inaugurated on Thursday.
The celebrations began with grand processions in Kakati, the Queen’s birthplace, and Kittur.
Dignitaries decorated the statue of Rani Channamma at Kakati and went in a procession in the village.
Discussions on the history of Rani Channamma and cultural programs will be held for three days.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to attend a function rally on Saturday.
District in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi welcomed the Vijaya Jyoti lamp which traveled across the state as a symbol of Channamma’s victory.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Member of Legislative Assembly Asif (Raju) Sait and others garland the statue of Rani Channamma at her native house as part of Kittur Utsav in Kakati on Thursday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER
Along with other dignitaries, he raised the flag of the Kingdom of Kittur at the circle. Guests decorated the statues of Kittur Channamma, Sangolli Rayanna and Amatur Balappa.
121 exhibition stands related to agriculture, health and horticulture and 37 stands with refreshments of various types were set up.
Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar inaugurated the folk festival organized as part of the utsav.
Various folk art groups participated including Dollukunitha, Puravanthike, Jaggalagi, Karadi Majalu, Sala Vadana, Palage Vadana, Nadi Mela, Tasevadana, Gombe Kunita, Mysore Nagari, Mahila Nagari, Nandi Dhwaja, Kansale, Chande Vadana and others.
They performed through the main streets of the city despite the rain. Some scenes depicting the history of Kittur were mounted on vehicles and shot around the historic town.
Satish Jarkiholi, MLA Babasaheb Patil, Vishwas Vaidya and Asif (Raju) Sait started boating and adventure sports.
Seer Kalmathu Madiwala Rajyogindra Swamiji, Inspector of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department Shivananda Murgoda, Joint Director of Agriculture Department HD Kolekar and others were present.
Karnataka State Finance Corporation Chairman Mahantesh Kaujalagi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde and others attended the launch event.
Published – 23 Oct 2025 20:13 IST
