30th Edition of Alva’s Virasat to showcase art, agriculture, and tradition

Team Udayavani, Dec 9, 2024, 8:37 AM IST

The renowned Alva’s Virasat, a national cultural festival that unites diverse traditions and promotes cultural enthusiasm, is set to celebrate its 30th edition. Preparations at the Vidyagiri campus are in full swing to welcome audiences for this grand event, scheduled from December 10 to 15.

Main events and attractions

The festival will feature its main events and cultural programs at the Vanajakshi K. Shripathi Bhat Open-Air Theatre in Puttige. Alongside, there will be distinctive exhibitions such as:

Agricultural Fair
Food Festival
Handicraft Exhibition
Fruit and Flower Show
Art Exhibition
Handloom Saree Showcase

Cultural evenings will be enriched by performances from renowned artists and teams across the country. Highlights include:

Pandit Venkatesh Kumar’s Hindustani Vocal Performance
Osman Mir’s Musical Symphony
Niladri Kumar’s Sound of India Concert
Fusion dance performances combining Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and Kathak, among others.
A musical evening by Steketo Chennai.
Agricultural Fair Highlights
The agricultural fair will showcase a comprehensive view of farming, from seeds to markets, with live demonstrations, sales stalls, and workshops. The venue is being prepared with well-leveled grounds and dedicated stalls for various exhibits, including:

Seeds, plants, and organic and chemical fertilizers
Irrigation and soil-based crops
Agricultural tools and machinery
This year’s unique attraction is the “Raitara Santhe” (Farmers’ Market), where farmers can directly sell their homegrown fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Farmers are encouraged to register in advance to participate.

Additionally, 500-600 stalls will display and sell produce, including vegetables and fruits grown using Israeli technology, ornamental plants, and decorative flowers.

Artistic displays and installations

Life-like replicas of animals such as tigers, giraffes, bears, and elephants, as well as birds like owls and hawks, will be placed across the venue, alongside figures of domestic animals like cows, dogs, and cats.

Statues and installations depicting traditional Indian farmers and rural life, as well as iconic personalities like Padma Shri awardees Saalumarada Thimmakka and Tulsi Bommanagowda, will add a cultural essence to the event.

Grand preparations underway

Despite recent rains, preparations at Vidyagiri are progressing smoothly. Vibrant flowering plants sourced from nurseries across India are being placed along pathways, near the main entrance, and around key landmarks like the Basaveshwara Circle, creating a visually captivating atmosphere.

Modern cartoon-inspired sculptures and traditional doll installations wearing Indian attire are being showcased around the agricultural fair, ensuring a blend of tradition and modernity.

The 30th Alva’s Virasat promises to be a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation, welcoming audiences from across the nation.