Mangaluru: The festial of rain ‘Male Habba’ was organized at Dr Shivarama Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama here on Sunday, June 14.

Ibrahim, the Deputy Commissioner of DK Dist. and also the Chairman of the society managing the Nisargadhama, addressed the press after inaugurating the festival.  He was disappointed at the turnout and his remarks reflected this disappointment.  He said that despite creating a convenient atmosphere for the visitors, the response was always lukewarm. However, he said that the society would hold more activities and put in more efforts to attract visitors towards the Nisargadhama.

He said that ‘aati’ would be celebrated at Pilikula next month. The calendar of festivals for other months would be announced later, he added.
 
Veteran Tulu actor ‘Kusalda Arase’ Navin D Padil inaugurated umbrella exhibition. He was felicitated for his immense contribution to the Tulu theatre industry. A number of saplings were also planted to mark the Male Habba and to spread the message of environment protection. An exhibition of monsoon photographs was another highlight.

Jenkara Gana Kala Kendra sang traditional songs of Tulunadu. Various food items, consumer goods, fruits, fish products and food items were on sale.

President of Kalkura Prathishtana Pradeep Kumar Kalkura welcomed the guests.
 
Executive Director of Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama S A Prabhakara Sharma and President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino were present among others.