Pattadkal Utsav from Feb 26

The three day cultural extravaganza is likely to boost tourism

The three-day Pattadakal Utsav scheduled to be held at Pattadakal, the world heritage site from February 26 will witness noted actress, choreographer and Rajya Sabha member Hema Malini, singers Anuradha Podwal and C Ashwath among other top artists performing. The Pattadakal Utsav is held every year to depict the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.

Chairman of the Pattadakal Utsav organising committee and deputy commissioner K S Prabhakar said on Thursday that cultural troupes from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Assam and Manipur would enrich the three-day festival by presenting various cultural programmes.

Chief Minister H D Kumarswamy, deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa, would be invited to the festival. Noted Hindustani vocalist Padma Bhushana Gangubai Hanagal, actress Tara and dancer Maya Rao would be felicitated on the occasion, he said.

Hema Malini and associates would present Durga dance on the opening day while Anuradha Podwal and her team would present 'Geeta Gayana' on February 27.

C Ashwath would present his famous `Bhava Sangama? on the final day at Badami. Local artists would perform for two hours on each day of the festival, Prabhakar said.

A meeting under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner K S Prabhakar reviewed the preparations on Wednesday. The stage for Pattadakal Utsav has been named as 'Anivaritacharyagunda' while the stage at Badami has been named as Vijayambike. The one at Aihole will be called Ravi Keerti Vedike.

Pattadakal is an art historian's dream. It has a set of nine temples built almost in a single file, showing the architect's desire for experimenting in various styles. Pattadakal represents the culmination of early Chalukyan art.

Four of the temples here are in the south Indian Dravidian architectural style while four are in the north Indian Nagara style while Papanatha temple exhibits a hybrid style.