The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to transform into a vibrant canvas of creativity as the national-level art, sculpture, and cultural fair, 'Kala Parba', kicks off at Kadri Park. Organised by the Dakshina Kannada district administration and Sharadhi Prathishtana as part of the Karavali Utsava, the event will run from Friday, January 5, until Thursday, January 11.
A Grand Showcase of Artistic Talent
This edition of Kala Parba promises an impressive display of artistic prowess. According to SM Shivaprakash of Karavali Chitrakala Chavadi, over 120 artists have already registered to participate, and they will be exhibiting a staggering collection of more than 5,000 artworks. The fair will also feature a special exhibition of 100 selected photographs from the national-level 'Discovering India' photography contest.
The inauguration ceremony will be graced by dignitaries including assembly speaker UT Khader and district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath will preside over the event, marking a significant official inauguration for this cultural extravaganza.
Diverse Cultural Programmes and Highlights
The week-long festival is packed with a rich schedule of activities designed to engage art lovers of all ages. A series of competitions, cultural performances, and interactive sessions with artists are planned.
Key highlights include a Yakshagana performance by special children from Saanidhya Residential School and Training Centre on Saturday. The final day, January 11, will be particularly eventful, featuring:
- A sculpture art demonstration by students of the Canara Bank-sponsored CE Kamath Institute of Artisans, Karkala.
- A street play by students of Swaroopa Adhyayana Kendra.
- An art workshop by Vishwakarma Kala Parishat.
- Another Yakshagana performance by artistes of Poornachandra Yakshakala Prathishtana, Kondadakuli.
- A cultural programme titled ‘Radharadhane’.
In a special attraction, students of renowned artist BS Desai from Hassan will demonstrate the creation of a massive 5x20 feet watercolour painting focused on environmental awareness on Sunday.
Wide Participation and Logistical Arrangements
The fair has truly garnered national interest. B Ganesha Somayaji, founder president of Chavadi, noted that artists from various districts and states are converging on Mangaluru. Stalls will be set up by creators from across Karnataka and from neighbouring regions like Kasaragod, Kannur, and Kochi.
Drawing competitions are expected to see massive participation, with around 800 students competing across lower primary, higher primary, high school, and college categories. The 'Discovering India' photography contest also saw enthusiastic response, receiving nearly 650 entries. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of Rs 25,000, Rs 10,000, and Rs 5,000 respectively.
Highlighting the economic benefit for artists, Sharadhi Prathishtana vice-president Punik Shetty revealed that participants earned business worth Rs 27 lakh during last year's Kala Parba. For the convenience of visitors, the district administration has made specific arrangements: the road in front of Kadri Park will be closed for the festival's duration, and parking has been arranged at Padua School ground, Padua grounds, KPT, and the Circuit House.
