Belagavi: The courage of Rani Kittur Chennamma, who took on the British in the early 19th century, came alive in her historic land as the three-day 202nd Kittur Utsav began on Friday with a colourful mix of folk performances, processions and tributes to the queen.
The celebrations began with the arrival of the Veera Jyoti, which travelled across the state before reaching Kittur. Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil received the torch at Chennamma Circle and inaugurated the festival by hoisting the flag of the erstwhile Kittur kingdom. Public representatives and officials paid floral tributes to the statues of Rani Chennamma and other prominent personalities.
Madival Rajayogindra Swamiji of Kalmath, Bailhongal MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan, District Superintendent of Police K Ramarajan and others were present.
A procession featuring folk art troupes brought the streets alive with traditional music and performances. Artists presented Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale, Nandi Dhwaja, Karadi Majalu, Sambal and Chande Vadan, along with puppet shows and other folk forms. Students of Scouts and Guides also joined the procession, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The Kittur Fort premises drew visitors to an exhibition and flower show inaugurated by Madivala Rajayogindra Swamiji of Kalmath. Around 100 stalls showcasing products and information related to agriculture, healthcare and horticulture were set up, besides 37 food stalls. Visitors from Kittur and neighbouring villages made their way to the venue.
At the program held at Kakati, the village associated with Chennamma, Public Works Department Minister and Belagavi district in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said the queen’s courage, determination and self-respect should inspire the younger generation. He urged parents to raise their children in keeping with her ideals.
Mukthimath’s Dharmashri Taporatna Shivasiddha Someshwara Shivacharya Swamiji called for the development of historical sites associated with Sangolli, Kakati and Shahapur, saying Chennamma’s valour continued to inspire people across the country.
The Kakati programme also featured tributes to Chennamma and reflections on her place in the history of resistance to British rule. Speakers stressed the need to familiarise the younger generation with her contribution and preserve the region’s historical legacy.
A state-level women’s seminar on Rani Kittur Chennamma and a women poets’ meet will be held on Saturday as part of the Kittur Utsav. The seminar, beginning at 10 am at the Rani Chennamma auditorium, will be inaugurated by MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar, with MP Priyanka Jarkiholi presiding. Speakers will discuss Chennamma’s battles, vision and legacy.
A women poets’ meet will follow at noon. Cultural programmes, including folk music, classical dance, bhajans, vachana renditions and other performances, will be held at three venues from 4 pm. A musical programme by Rajesh Krishnan and his troupe is scheduled for 8.30 pm.
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