Kempegowda festival brings Bengaluru to Delhi

A two-day festival in honour of builder of Bengaluru Nadaprabhu Kempegowda commenced in Delhi today with a festival which included folk music, dances and typical dresses worn by the Gowda community of Karnataka.

The festival commenced with a flag-hoisting ceremony and opening of the exhibition representing traditional Bengaluru which was built by Kempegowda in the 15th century. Kempegowda was a feudatory ruler under the Vijaynagar empire. He is remembered by citizens of Karnataka for having built a city which had a fort, a cantonment, water tanks, temples and helped people to become prosperous and carry out their vocations without any fear.

Participants in the festival included Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of the Karnataka Assembly and heads of religious institutions which included Kumar Chandrashekharnath Swamyji - the head of World Vokkaliga Mutt, Manjavadhoot Swamyji of Spatikapur Mutt, Thontadarya Swamyji of Gadag, Vishwesteerta Swamyji of Pejavar and Nirmalanada Swamyji of Adichhunchungiri. Among the speakers today was the Minister for Law and Justice Sadananda Gowda and Members of Parliament and Karnataka Assembly.

The religious heads honoured people of Karnataka who have distinguished themselves in various fields. Those honoured included I. Ramamohan Rao, a communicator; Dr. Lata Rajshekhar, a poet; Amarnath Gowda, a resident of Michigan in USA; Mr. Manje Gowda, president of the State Employees Association; Mr. Marimallaiya, chief of the Kempegowda Association; K.V. Shankarappa, a social worker from Kolar; Mr. Dayanand and Mr. Satish, social workers; and Kiranagere Jagdish, who is known for his contribution to the silk industry.

Over a thousand people from Bengaluru have arrived in the capital to make people aware of their contribution to the advancement of the country and the world.

Speakers on the occasion pointed out how Kempegowda had built the city of Bengaluru which provided for security and facilities for all classes who lived in harmony. The traditions of people of Bengaluru have continued till today and they have been able to contribute in all fields of activities including information technology, industry, health care and space technology.

Swamy Thontadarya pointed out that Bengaluru is known for its contribution in various fields in all the continents of the world.

The organisers of the festival, which will close on Sunday evening, hope to make people of the capital of India aware of the contribution of Kempegowda to the nation and the world. The exhibition and the cultural items are open to all.