Bhatkal: Bhatkal Utsava – 2025, organised by Kriyasheela Geleyara Sangha, Bhatkal, in association with several esteemed organisations, will be held from December 25 to 28 at the Kazia Compound ground, near the Ice Factory along the Bhatkal–Venkatapur National Highway. The four-day festival will feature cultural programmes by local artistes as well as renowned performers from across the state. The announcement was made by Ramesh Kharvi, President of Kriyasheela Geleyara Sangha.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Kharvi said that while similar festivals are organised in neighbouring taluks, Bhatkal had so far lacked a major public cultural event of this nature. Keeping this in view, the Sangha decided to organise Bhatkal Utsava, which he said would serve as a symbol of social harmony, unity and communal brotherhood.
Kharvi stated that the Utsava has received strong support from leaders of various communities, including Hindu, Muslim and Christian representatives, along with backing from social organisations, voluntary groups and officials from government departments. He added that District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya has extended full support to the event, while several institutions and organisations have also come forward to cooperate.
Providing further details, Programme Convener Shrikant Naik said that the Utsava will commence on December 25 and continue for four days. The venue will remain open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm for various mela and exhibition activities. The festival is being organised with the theme “A Symbol of Unity in Diversity.”
The Utsava will showcase a wide range of attractions focusing on agriculture, food culture, entrepreneurship and local talent. Major highlights include an Agriculture and Organic Vegetables Mela, various food melas, saree and garments mela, fish mela, Swadeshi products mela, ice cream mela, jackfruit mela, and exhibitions of cottage industry products.
In addition, information centres of various government departments and entrepreneurship and business information centres will be set up to create public awareness. A sports mela featuring volleyball and a dedicated amusement park for children will further enhance the appeal of the Utsava for families and youth.
Shrikant Naik added that cultural programmes will be held every evening during the festival. The Utsava will be formally inaugurated on December 25 at 6:30 pm by Uttara Kannada District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya, while Uttara Kannada Member of Parliament Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri is scheduled to attend the valedictory ceremony.
On the opening day, from 7 pm onwards, a musical night featuring orchestra and dance performances will be presented by the local music group Jhankar Melodies, along with performances by prominent state-level artistes. To ensure greater representation for local talent, Jhankar Melodies and the Friends Group have been entrusted with organising cultural programmes for two days. Performances by artistes who have participated in state-level television reality shows will also be featured.
On the occasion, Bhatkal Utsav Committee honorary advisors Venkatesh Naik and Nazir Kashimji, melas coordinator Shridhar Marwante, Kriyasheela Geleyara Sangha honorary president Deepak Naik, Manmohan Naik, Secretary Arun Naik, Pandurang Naik, Dinesh Naik, Venkatesh Moger, Vinayak Naik, Ashok Naik, along with several other dignitaries, were present.
The organisers have appealed to the residents of Bhatkal and neighbouring areas to participate in large numbers and contribute to the successful conduct of Bhatkal Utsava – 2025.