Bhatkal Utsav helped shed tag of cultural backwardness, says former MLA Sunil Naik

Bhatkal: 01 January,2026 (Bhatkallys News Bureau)  Former MLA Sunil Naik said that the credit for removing the long-standing perception that Bhatkal taluk was culturally backward should go to the organisers of Bhatkal Utsav. He was speaking after inaugurating the concluding ceremony of Bhatkal Utsav–25, organised by the Kriyasheela Geleyara Sangha, at Khazi Maidan in Venkatapur.

Naik said cultural programmes are regularly held in places such as Kumta, Karwar and Sirsi, while Bhatkal often faced criticism for lagging behind in this regard. By organising Bhatkal Utsav on a grand scale, he said, the organisers had helped enhance the taluk’s image and proved that large cultural events could be successfully conducted in Bhatkal as well. He noted that organising such programmes had become increasingly challenging and praised the association for its efforts. He also recalled the organisation’s social service during the COVID-19 period, calling its presence in the taluk a matter of pride.

Former Western Ghats Task Force chairman Govinda Naik, who was present at the event, said the association, which began its activities in 2019, had organised the festival in an impressive manner. He said the commitment of all members had contributed to the success of the event and that the organisation had won the hearts of the people of Bhatkal through its work.

Others who spoke on the occasion included BJP taluk president Lakshminarayana, industrialist Kedar Kolle, teacher Prakash Shirali and Shailendra Jain.

Addressing the gathering, Bhatkal Utsav committee president Srikant Naik said the festival’s success was made possible by the cooperation of people cutting across party lines, caste and religion. He thanked all those who extended support to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Co-convenor Manmohan Naik welcomed the gathering.

Several dignitaries were present on the dais, including Vishwakarma community president Gajanan Acharya, Kharvi community president Govinda Kharvi, Sant Rohidas community leader Mohan Shiralikar, Kriyasheela Sangha secretary Arun Naik, and Bhatkal Utsav fair coordinator Sridhar Maravante.

During the programme, achievers from various fields were felicitated. Those honoured included Nagendra Annappa Naik, discus thrower Darshan Naik Jali, painter Nagashree Naik of Bhatkal, karate exponent Roopa Kharvi, high jump athletes Bhavya Devadiga of Kaykini and Rashmita Devadiga of Murdeshwar.

The stage proceedings were compered by teachers Sridhar Shett and Poornima Karkikar, while Panduranga Naik delivered the vote of thanks. The event concluded with a musical programme by the Friends Melodies team. Organisers said more than 20,000 people attended the festival.