Karnataka to celebrate Chalukya Utsav in Bagalkot

The state government will celebrate the Chalukya Utsav in Bagalkot district. This festival will be similar to the well-known Konark festival in Odisha. The announcement was made by Shivaraj Tangadagi, the Minister for Kannada and Culture, during a meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The meeting included local legislators and officials. They discussed planning for the festival, but a specific date has not yet been confirmed. The festival has not been held since 2015, and the Minister emphasized its potential as a national celebration of art and culture. Plans include a variety of performances such as music, dance, and folk arts. The Minister believes this festival can boost tourism in the district. The three-day event is expected to begin in Badami, with activities on the second day in Pattadakallu, and the closing ceremony in Aihole. Legislator Vijayananda Kashappanavar highlighted the importance of focusing on the Chalukyan emperor Pulakeshin II. He suggested that the festival should honor Pulakeshin's contributions to art and his notable achievements in history.