With Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Shettennavar expressing the possibility of holding the Navraspur Utsav in January next year, the hopes of people witnessing the only cultural festival of the district organised by the government have gained momentum.
The last utsav was held in February 2015 and since then the festival has not been organised by the government.
The government has been citing drought as the primary reason for not holding the event in the district. However, many activists have criticised the government for citing this reason.
They have argued that when the government has been holding various similar events such as the Dasara festivities in Mysuru, the Hampi Utsav in Ballari and the Kittur Utsav even during drought, then why only Navraspur Utsav should not be held citing drought.
With the district administration and the government facing flak and pressure from various quarters, the district administration seems to have taken a decision to hold the event at least in 2019.
Though Mr. Shettennavar has made it clear that the final decision on holding the event would be taken only after a meeting with district in-charge Minister M.C. Managuli, the announcement of possible dates has given much hope to those who are supporting the festival here. Mr. Shettennavar said that the district administration has ₹ 1.20 crore to hold the event. He, however, believes that the available funds would not be enought to hold the event on a grand scale.
He thinks that at least ₹ 3 crore is needed to hold the event in a grand manner in various parts of Vijayapura. A clear picture will emerge only when Mr. Managuli holds the meeting which is unlikely at least till the end of ongoing Assembly session in Belagavi.
The art lovers of the district are earnestly hoping that the district administration holds the event at least in January and also ensure that it becomes an annual feature.
