Vibrant Sangolli Rayanna Utsav kicks off

Belagavi: The two-day Sangolli Rayanna Utsav began on Sunday at his birthplace in Sangolli village. The event featured lectures, cultural programmes, and a folk art jatha, inaugurated by Karnataka State Finance Corporation president Mahantesh Koujalagi and MLA Babasaheb Patil in the presence of Guruling Shivacharya Swamiji of Sangolli and Madiwal Rajayogindra Swamiji of Kittur Kalmath.
Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna Festival-2025 commenced in Sangolli with fervour. Morning puja was offered to the Sangolli Rayanna statue in the presence of Gurulinga Shivacharya Swamiji of Hiremath in Sangolli. MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi welcomed Rayanna Jyoti. The procession, which started near the Rayanna memorial in Sangolli, travelled through the main streets of the village. Musical instruments and the dance groups created a festive atmosphere in the village.
Bailhongal assistant commissioner Prabhavathi Fakkirpur hoisted the flag of the Kittur state on the premises of the Sangolli Rayanna memorial hall. Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil launched the folk art procession. Various groups, including women with kumbha, puja kunitha, nandi kolu, veeragase, dollu, and bombe kunitha, added charm to the festival. The officials Nagaraj, Vidyavathi Bhajantri, tahsildar Hanumant Shirahatti, along with officials from various departments and village elders were present.
The evening programme was inaugurated by MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi and MLA Babasaheb Patil at the Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna Vedike at govt high school grounds in Sangolli. Along with seers and dignitaries, gram panchayat president Roop Chachadi participated. A night-long deepotsav in memory of freedom fighters was inaugurated by Sangolli GP members. The evening's Rasamanjari programme by renowned playback singer Rajesh Krishnan and team attracted a huge crowd. The team presented songs that inspire admiration for the Kannada language as well as melodious numbers.
Bhajans by Sangolli Grama Devi Bhajan Mandali and Inchal Shivanand Bharati Bhajan Mandali; tatvapada singing by Jyotirlinga Halakatti team; comedy lyrics by Anand Murki Bhavi, dance by Priyanka Sarashetty, shahanai by Parashuram Navalagi, light music by Jayadevi Jangamashetti, and the dance performance by Janhavi Aital and her team were the highlights of the event.