With overwhelming response to the maiden two-day Mangaluru River Festival at Bangra Kuloor, the Dakshina Kannada district administration is considering holding more events at the government land in Bangra Kuloor on the banks of the Phalguni.
While around 3,000 people visited Bangra Kuloor on Saturday evening, there were more number of visitors on Sunday when the two-day festival concluded. “People are continuing to come here from Sultan Battery in ferries. It was a challenge for us to send these people back today,” said an official overseeing the operation of ferries.
As against four ferries that operated on Saturday, the district administration requisitioned eight ferries on Sunday. Of these eight, four ferries were of 100-seat capacity, while the remaining four could carry 30 passengers. These ferries operated on the Sultan Battery-Bangara Kuloor-Kuloor-Tannirbhavi route. The district administration also requisitioned some 10-seat speed boats that operated between Bangra Kuloor and Tannirbhavi. There were four buses and a few vans that operated on the Bangra Kuloor-Kuloor-Tannirbhavi Road.
Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S. said that a majority of visitors came by ferries on which folk singers and other artistes performed. Mr. Senthil said that the administration is considering leasing out the 23-acre government land in Bangra Kuloor for holding such events. “We can make better use of this land. Ferry rides to this venue will add value to events held here,” he told The Hindu . The district administration has proposed the construction of 20 jetties on the Phalguni riverside. People flocked to the over 20 stalls at the flea market at Bangara Kuloor on Saturday and Sunday evening. A whole range of readymade dress material, fancy items, bamboo baskets and organic vegetables were sold. There were food stalls selling traditional fish delicacies and North Indian food. Performance by rock bands was well appreciated.
On Sunday, competitions in boat racing, kayaking, stand-up paddling were held. There were a good number of people who got exposed to water-based activities at Bangara Kuloor, Kuloor jetty and Tannirbhavi.
