Belagavi: This year’s Kittur Utsav will be organised on the lines of Mysuru Dasara, with several new initiatives aimed at boosting public participation and showcasing local talent, district minister Satish Jarkiholi said on Tuesday.Addressing a news conference at the deputy commissioner’s office, Jarkiholi said the festival would feature a new inauguration format. Instead of the traditional practice of the district minister inaugurating the event, eminent writers, intellectuals and achievers from various fields will be invited to launch the celebrations.The minister said the state government would provide Rs 5 crore for the Utsav, while another Rs 5 crore would be allocated through his department for development works in Kittur.Special emphasis will be placed on attracting larger crowds to morning programmes and organising more activities for children. The public instruction department has been directed to conduct educational and interactive events for students.Jarkiholi also said local artists would be given greater prominence during the festival. Proposals to organise a cattle fair and agriculture exhibition are under consideration. Efforts are also underway to secure Central approval for the proposed air show.
