Moodbidri gears up for Alva’s Virasat: A cultural extravaganza

Team Udayavani, Dec 10, 2024, 10:30 AM IST

Moodbidri’s Alva’s Virasat, an eight-day cultural celebration featuring music, dance, and folk art, is ready to roll out its vibrant festivities at Vidyagiri. The event promises a rich blend of entertainment, joy, and knowledge, offering a cultural feast for art lovers.

The festival will commence on December 10 and continue until December 15 at the Vanajakshi Sripathi Bhat Open-Air Theatre in Alva’s Vidyagiri. Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, will inaugurate the event, with B.L. Shankar, President of Bengaluru Chitrakala Parishath, presiding over the ceremony. The event will witness the presence of notable dignitaries, including MP C.A. Brijesh Chowta, MLA Umanath Kotian, and Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mugilan M.P.

Highlights of the Opening Day:

A vibrant cultural procession featuring over 150 traditional folk art teams and 4,000 artists.
The grand cultural chariot procession will take place at 8:30 PM, lit by distinguished guests from Haridwar.

December 11: Award Ceremony and Performances

The Alva’s Virasat 2024 Award will be presented to renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Padma Shri Pandit Venkatesh Kumar. Following the award ceremony, he will perform, and the evening will feature Gujarati folk dances by Rang Malhar – The Folk Arts team and Alva’s cultural presentations.

Daily Cultural Diversity

December 12: Musical renditions by Osman Mir and team from Gujarat, followed by dance performances by groups from Udupi, Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Kundapur.

December 13: “Sound of India” by Neeladri Kumar and Bharatanatyam-Odissi-Kathak fusion by Kolkata-based artists.

December 14: Musical presentations by Chennai’s Seketo artists and the conclusion of the cultural chariot.

December 15: While no cultural programs are scheduled, exhibitions and fairs will remain open for visitors.

Beyond Performances

The venue will host agricultural, food, floral, and handicrafts fairs, alongside painting and photography exhibitions. Inspired by Tulu Nadu’s traditional “guttu mane” (ancestral homes), the Krishisiri Expo boasts 650 stalls, over 2.5 lakh flowering plants, and 500 art displays. The exhibitions are designed to captivate art enthusiasts with their grandeur.

Accessibility

Entry to the festival is free, and the venue is equipped to accommodate over 40,000 visitors with ample parking facilities. Visitors are encouraged to arrive on time as the events will strictly adhere to the schedule.