The Annual Kittur Utsav 2025 has officially begun in Belagavi. The celebration honours the legendary Rani Chennamma of Kittur was commenced on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2025 with immense grandeur and public enthusiasm among the people of the city.
Every year, this grand festival honours the legacy of Kittur Rani Chennamma, the fearless queen of Belagavi who fought against British colonial rule.
The entire festival serves as a powerful commemoration of the iconic bravery of the queen and the valor, and patriotism in her historic fight against British rule.
DETAILED INFORMATION
| Dates and Location | The three-day festival was celebrated from Thursday, October 23, to Saturday, October 25 |
| Inauguration | The utsav began with the arrival of the Vijaya Jyoti. |
| Ceremonies | Dignitaries and officials garlanded the statues of Rani Chennamma, her lieutenant Sangolli Rayanna, and other heroes. |
| Events | Attendees enjoyed various cultural programs, sessions on the history of Kittur, and the performance of folk troupes. |
| Valedictory Function | Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to attend the concluding ceremony on Saturday, October 25. |
Official Inauguration and Tributes
Kittur Utsav Celebrations showcase the vibrant cultural heritage and historical significance of the Kittur region, steeped in tales of valor and resistance. The festivities were formally inaugurated by District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi. The minister first received the Victory Torch (Jyoti), which had traveled across Karnataka, symbolizing the queen’s victorious spirit and the widespread recognition of her legacy. He then proceeded to Chennamma Circle to proudly hoist the Kittur Kingdom flag.
Following the flag hoisting, a moment of solemn respect took place. Several dignitaries gathered to pay floral tributes to the valiant heroes of the region. These included the statues of Rani Chennamma, her loyal general Sangolli Rayanna, and freedom fighter Amatur Balappa.
Among the officials present were Kittur MLA Babasaheb Patil, Belagavi North MLA Asif (Raju) Sait, Kalmath Math Swamiji Madival Rajayogindra, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde, and SP Dr. Bhimashankar Guled. Earlier in the day, DC Mohammad Roshan had upheld a cherished annual custom by hoisting the inaugural flag at Gadadamaradi. This dual flag-hoisting symbolizes the continuity of Kittur’s heritage.
Vibrant Folk Art Parade Takes Center Stage
The cultural highlight of the opening day was the spectacular Folk Art Parade. Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Minister for Women and Child Development, inaugurated the parade at Chennamma Circle which marks the start of the colorful procession. The parade was a breathtaking showcase of Karnataka’s rich and diverse folk traditions.
The streets came alive with numerous energetic performances where Artists presented the thundering drum beats of Dollu Kunitha. Spectators cheered for the whimsical and dynamic Karadi Majalu and the rhythmic steps of Hejjemela. The parade also featured various traditional dance forms like Gombe Kunitha (puppet dance), the percussion-based Kamsale, and the powerful Chande Vadana (drumming).
Despite light drizzles, crowds of spectators lined the routes, applauding and encouraging the performers, various government departments participated, presenting colorful tableaux designed to highlight important public welfare schemes. The public appreciated these informative and vibrant displays. The parade successfully merged traditional art with modern governmental messaging.
Exhibitions and Festive Atmosphere in the city
Exhibition
The exhibition hall and flower exhibition set up on the fort premises were inaugurated by dignitaries. On this occasion, district minister Satish Jarkiholi, State Finance Corporation chairman Mahantesh Kaujalagi, MLA Babasaheb Patil, deputy commissioner Mohammed Roshan, ZP CEO Rahul Shinde, and other dignitaries were present in the event.
Additionally, 121 exhibition stalls related to agriculture, health, and horticulture and 37 food stalls of various types have been set up in the event. Hundreds of people from Kittur and surrounding villages, despite the rain, participated in the utsav. People visited the exhibition stalls from the morning.
Kakati Utsav
As part of the historic victory of Kittur Rani Channamma, the 201st victory celebration was held at Channamma’s hometown Kakati on Thursday. Minister Satish Jarkiholi inaugurated the Utsav and the victory celebration, said that for the last ten years, the Kittur Development Authority has been continuously working for the development of Kittur. Road and fort development works are under way in Kakati. All efforts should be made to hold Kittur festival akin to Mysuru Dasara. Shivasiddha Someshwar Shivacharya Swamiji of Muktimutt spoke. Kakati Utsav committee members and gram panchayat members were also present in the event.
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