People focus in Bengalooru Habba

The annual event showcasing Karnataka's tradition and culture "" Airtel Bengalooru Habba 2007 "" will be held between November 30 and December 9 at multiple venues in the state capital.

Focussing on promoting cultural talent, the event promises to be bigger and better with a distinctive regional flavour and added attractions, including sports.

"Every year, we try to create newer activities at the festival. This year, we expect higher participation from the people. There are a number of special events that set aside this year's Airtel Bengalooru Habba," said Nandini Alva, Trustee, Artistes' Foundation for the Arts (AFFA), which is organising Bengalooru Habba.

The Karnataka government has extended its support to the event. "The event will bring more tourists to the city. We expect it to add brand value to the city in a significant way in the coming years. Airtel Bengalooru Habba should become a mega festival attracting international tourists," I M Vittalamurthy, Secretary (Kannada, Culture, Tourism, Information), Government of Karnataka, said.

Renowned thread artist BKS Varma created the new logo of the Airtel Bengalooru Habba 2007 on canvas and it was unveiled by Venkatesh V, CEO (Mobile Services), Karnataka, Bharti Airtel.

The programmes planned under Airtel Bengalooru Habba includes a dance workshop for government schools; crafts and performing arts mela (bamboo craft, terracotta, handloom, jute products, murals and leather) at Karnataka Chitra Kala Parishath; Hindustani classical music concerts at Ambedkar Bhavan; classical dance performance and music concerts at JSS Auditorium (Jayanagar); carnatic classical music concert at Gayana Samaj; English theatre at Chowdaiah Memorial Hall; Kannada theatre and regional music at Dr Rajkumar Auditorium, Rajajinagar; cultural events at Gopalan Mall on Mysore Road; devotional music, folk music and light music at public parks and Bangalore Development Authority complexes and Jazz music at Alliance Francaise and Rock music festival at Palace Grounds.

The highlight of Airtel Bengalooru Habba are the carnatic violin concert by L Subramaniam on December 7 at Palace Grounds and Bollywood night by renowned singer Sukhwinder on December 9 at the same venue.

Sports is making a debut at this year's Airtel Bengalooru Habba. A swimming competition in the age group of 7-16 years is being held. It will be coordinated by former national swimming champion Nisha Millet. A golf tournament is also being organised at the KGA Golf Club.