First ever Alupotsav starts on a grand note at ‘Nandarayana Kote’ in Barkur
Udupi: The first-ever Alupotsav a three-day mega-festival got off with a bang at ‘Nandarayana Kote’ in Barkur on Friday, January 25.
The cultural extravaganza of dance, drama, art and music, was formally inaugurated by Dr Jayamala Udupi district minister-in-charge at Nandarayana Kote Barkuru along with other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Jayamala said Udupi district has earned its name and fame with its culture and ability. Udupi district is in the forefront in every matter, students of Udupi district are in the first place in PU and SSLC results. The district is known for communal harmony. We have introduced Barkur as a tourist place by organizing Alupotsav.
Recalling the history the minister said the Barkur Nandarayana fort belongs to the former governor of erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire, Nandaraya. The fort, spread across 14.12 acres of land, was covered with weeds and shrubs. It is believed that Nandaraya of Vijayanagar Empire had built Barkur which is also mentioned in the stone inscriptions found in Belman and Udyavar. According to historians, elephants and horses for the Vijayanagara Empire were imported from Persia to the Barkur fort.
A Kalyani (Indian stepwell) situated inside the fort has been restored to its original glory following the desilting work taken up recently. The construction of a sprawling stage, 80X60 ft wide and 36 ft high, is underway for the Alupotsav and is named after Bhoothala Pandya.
There is a need for greater investment in the city. Events such as Karavali Utsav, Hampi Utsav, Kadamba Utsav, Alupotsav will help project the diverse culture of the region and help build it as a place for all religions. By organising Alupotsav Barkur will attract more and more tourists from across the state. The government will give a boost to tourism development in the State with a special thrust on Barkuru. The State government had prepared a blueprint to improve the infrastructure facilities at tourism centres so as to attract more number of people from all over the globe, she said.
Kota Srinivas Poojary leader of the opposition for the legislative council, Dr Vishwa Santhosh Bharathi Swamiji of Barkuru Samsthana, Dinakar Babu president Udupi ZP, Sheela K Shetty vice president ZP, Nalini Pradeep Rao president TP, Shaila D’Souza president Barkur GP, Priyanka Mary Francis DC Udupi Vidya Kumar ADC and others were present.
Prior to the inaugural function, a heritage walk was flagged off at Simhasana Gudde by minister Jayamala. The Walk passed through Panchalingeshwara Temple, Batte Vinayaka Temple, Gopalakrishna Temple, Somanatha Temple, Manigara Keri, Aadi Parameshwara Temple Chowlikerei, Barkuru Vijayanagara Port, Someshwar Temple Moodukere, Veerabhadra Temple, Hiriya Basadi, Kalikamba Temple and culminated at the Kallu Chappara. The walk covered a distance of 4 km touching 17 heritage points.
As a part of the Alupotsav, a special postal cover will be released and a Deepotsava will be organised at ‘Kathale Basadi.’ A seminar on Alupa dynasty is also being planned by the district administration.
