On October 23, 2025, the historic town of Kittur and its surrounding regions came alive with vibrant celebrations as the state-sponsored Kittur Utsav was inaugurated to commemorate the 201st anniversary of Rani Channamma’s legendary victory against the British East India Company. The festival, deeply rooted in Karnataka’s cultural and historical heritage, honors the brave queen who played a pivotal role in India’s early resistance to colonial rule. This year’s festivities highlight not only the remembrance of a heroic past but also the rich cultural tapestry of the region through a series of events, exhibitions, and performances that have drawn participation from villagers, dignitaries, and cultural groups alike.
The celebrations began with grand processions in Kakati, the birthplace of Rani Channamma, and in Kittur itself. These processions were marked by vibrant displays of local culture and history, setting a solemn yet festive tone for the days ahead. Prominent among the opening events was the garlanding of Rani Channamma’s statue in Kakati by several dignitaries, including Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Member of the Legislative Assembly Asif (Raju) Sait. The act symbolized reverence and respect for the queen’s valiant fight against colonial forces and served as a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who is the district in-charge for the area, warmly welcomed the Vijaya Jyoti lamp, which had journeyed across Karnataka as a symbol of Rani Channamma’s victory and spirit. The lamp’s statewide tour connected communities and rekindled pride in local history, reinforcing the queen’s significance as a unifying figure in Karnataka’s resistance narrative. Alongside this, the dignitaries hoisted the flag of the Kittur kingdom at a central circle, further evoking the historic sovereignty and valor of the region. Statues of other regional heroes, such as Sangolli Rayanna and Amatur Balappa, were also garlanded, paying tribute to figures who collectively symbolize Karnataka’s rich heritage of resistance and sacrifice.
The Kittur Utsav has extended beyond ceremonial remembrances to include a wide array of exhibitions and cultural showcases. This year, the festival featured 121 exhibition stalls that covered diverse themes, including agriculture, health, and horticulture, reflecting the community’s livelihood and advancements. Alongside these educational and informative stalls were 37 food stalls offering various local delicacies, adding a culinary dimension to the celebrations that attracted visitors and locals alike.
One of the highlights of the festival was the folk festival inaugurated by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. This folk festival brought together numerous traditional art forms and folk-art groups, showcasing Karnataka’s vibrant cultural diversity. Groups performing included Dollukunitha, Puravanthike, Jaggalagi, Karadi Majalu, Sala Vadana, Palage Vadana, Nadi Mela, Tasevadana, Gombe Kunita, Mysore Nagari, Mahila Nagari, Nandi Dhwaja, Kansale, and Chande Vadana among others. Despite intermittent rain, these performers took to the streets of Kittur, enlivening the town with colorful costumes, rhythmic music, and dance, much to the delight of spectators. The festival also featured tableaux mounted on vehicles, depicting scenes from Kittur’s rich history, which were paraded around the town, serving as moving stories that brought the past vividly to life.
In addition to cultural performances, the festival incorporated recreational and sports activities. Boating and adventure sports were inaugurated by Minister Satish Jarkiholi along with MLAs Babasaheb Patil, Vishwas Vaidya, and Asif (Raju) Sait. These activities aimed to provide entertainment and engagement for visitors of all ages, blending cultural appreciation with opportunities for leisure and adventure.
The inauguration events attracted several distinguished guests, including spiritual leader Kalmath seer Madiwala Rajyogindra Swamiji, Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department Shivananda Murgoda, and Joint Director of the Agriculture Department H.D. Kolekar. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit of the festival, which draws support from various sectors including spiritual, administrative, and agricultural domains. Other notable attendees included Karnataka State Finance Corporation Chairman Mahantesh Kaujalagi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan, and Zilla