The ‘Ededore Nadu Raichur District Utsav–2026′ was inaugurated by medical education and district minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, who flagged off a procession from Karnataka Sangha to the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS).Organised jointly by the district administration, ZP, mahanagara palike, and the Kannada & culture departments, the festival is being held from Feb 5 to 7. The main stage is set up on UAS campus, Raichur, while several programmes are being conducted across select locations in the city.Ahead of the district utsav, a 2-day children’s festival received an enthusiastic response. As part of the utsav, a Krishi Mela was inaugurated by Dr Sharan Prakash Patil at the UAS campus. Departments related to agriculture, horticulture, veterinary services, and allied sectors set up stalls. Exhibits include various seed varieties, agricultural implements, farming practices, and displays related to insects.The district administration arranged 100 stalls at the food fair, with ice cream stalls drawing large crowds. Handicrafts produced by self-help groups from 12 districts are also being sold.With cultural programmes, conferences, and seminars being organised at 5 different venues, the KKRTC arranged special buses from taluk centres to the district headquarters. Traffic routes were diverted, and parking facilities were arranged. In view of the large influx of visitors, 100 mobile toilets were installed. Drinking water facilities were provided across the venues, and health care centres were opened.Deputy commissioner Nitish K, additional deputy commissioner Shivakumar Bhajantri, and ZP CEO Ishwar Kumar Kandu are supervising the festival arrangements. Officials from the forest, food and civil supplies, health, youth services and sports, and revenue departments are handling key responsibilities.The police department implemented extensive security measures, installing 150 CCTV cameras at event venues and key locations across the city. Drone cameras are also being used for surveillance. Helpline centres were set up for public assistance. Security deployment includes 3 DSPs, 8 inspectors, 16 sub-inspectors, around 500 police personnel and home guards, along with 3 units each of KSRP and DAR forces.At the UAS campus, agricultural fair, food fair, fish fair, and evening music programmes were organised. Drama performances were held at the Ranga Mandir, while poetry sessions took place at the Mahila Samaj premises.For the first time, a helicopter ride was introduced as part of the district utsav. The inaugural ride was flagged off by Abhinav Rachotiveera Shivacharya of Somwarpet Hiremath. Shantamalla Shivacharya of Kille Brihanmath, Father Yuvraj, Imam Mohammad Hafiz Mohammad Anwari of Jamia Masjid, and BK Smita of Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, participated in the first ride, conveying a message of unity.The district utsav witnessed a successful first day, marked by a large turnout of visitors.
