“In our country, which stands for unity in diversity, multiculturalism and harmony form the foundation of our identity. Multicultural festivals complement the preservation and growth of language and culture,” said Sadanand Mavaji, President of the Karnataka ArebhasheSamkruthimathu Sahitya Academy.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Arebhashe Cultural Festival – 2026 organised by ChinnaralokaMokedaArthasanel Seva Trust (R), Bantwal, in collaboration with the academy. Continuing his address, he said that organising such programmes in regions where Arebhashe-speaking people are fewer in number and introducing the richness, elegance and cultural heritage of the language was commendable.
Advocate Umesh Kumar Y., who presided over the programme, said that the diversity of languages and cultures was the unique strength of India and noted that such diversity is rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
The six-day KaravaliKalotsava-Â 2026 was organised jointly by the Department of Kannada and Culture, Bengaluru, ChinnaralokMokeda Artist Service Trust (R), Bantwal, and Chinnaralok Seva Bandhu (R), Bantwal, in association with the Tulu, Konkani, Beary and Arebhashe Academies. As part of the multicultural and food festival, the Arebhashe Cultural Celebration-2026 programme was held at Sparsh Kalamandira on B.C. Road in Bantwal taluk.
Among those present on the dais were advocate Ashwani Kumar Rai of B.C. Road, President of Puttur Vokkaligara Gowda Seva Sangh K. Sundara Gowda Nadubailu, Bantwal Taluk Vokkaligara Sangh President C. Kushalappa Gowda, Anantadi Zone Vokkaligara Sangha President Purandara Gowda, LingappaGowda , and Arebhashe Academy members Dr. Gyanesh N.A., Chandravathi Baddadka, LathaprasadKudpaje and Kariappa P.S.
TevuTaranath Kottari delivered the introductory address. Dr. Gyanesh N.A. welcomed the gathering, while Dharmavathi P.B. proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Poojashree Vitesh Kodi.
Following the inaugural session, an Arebhashe poetry gathering was held under the chairmanship of Yashwanth Kudekallu. Poets Udaya Bhaskar Sulya, KusumakaraAmbekallu, Jeevan Pura Markanja, Chandravathi Baddadka, Hemalatha Kazegadde and Dr. Tara Ganesh recited poems.
The cultural programmes that followed showcased the richness of Arebhashe language and culture and entertained the audience.
Ramesh Mettinadka presented Arebhashe songs. The Arebhashe dance “Kerege Dana” performed by Sri Mookambika Cultural Academy, Puttur, received appreciation. Vidushi Preeti Kala Puttur provided music for the play directed by Vidwan Deepak Kumar Puttur, while the lyrics were written by Hemalatha Kazegadde.
Dance performances were also presented by the Swara Bettampadi group, Siddhavesha troupe and artists from Sullya.
