Hubli :

The first ever edition of Belavadi Mallamma Utsav-2013, organized as a tribute great woman warrior Belavadi Mallamma, began on Thursday at Belavadi village in Bailhongal taluk.

In the morning session, local MLA Jagadish Metgud hoisted the flag of Belavadi Sansthan and inaugurated the procession ‘Janapada Kalavahini’, in the absence of MP Suresh Angadi and district in-charge minister Umesh Katti.

Speaking on the occasion, Metgud said Mallamma was a great warrior. She was the first woman who formed a women’s army and fought against Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji in the 17th century. The history of Mallamma should be passed on to the future generation.

He informed that government has released Rs 30 lakh for the utsav.

Various folk art teams comprising Hejje Mela, Karbal Kunita, Datti Kunita, Dollu Kunita, Kolata, Karadi Majalu, Zanz Pathak, Kudure Kunita, Kola Nrutya, Veeragase, Dhol Pathak, Tase Vadan etc., added colour to the procession. Different tableaux depicting life of Mallamma were the star attraction of the procession, which began from Mallamma Circle. Kumbh Meravanige comprising hundreds of women with a pot on their head followed the procession.

Zilla panchayat CEO V Shankar, Bailhongal AC Siddalingayya Hiremath and deputy director of information department Basavaraj Kambi participated in the procession. However, participation of the people of Belavadi and surrounding villagers wasn’t as per expectation.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hubli / by Ravi Uppar, TNN / March 01st, 2013