Kittur: The courage, determination and unparalleled valour of warrior queen Kittur Chennamma, who fought bravely against British rule, symbolise the self-respect of the Kannada land, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said.
He was speaking at the valedictory ceremony of Chennamma’s Kittur Utsava-2026, organised by the Belagavi district administration and the Department of Kannada and Culture at the historic Kittur Fort.
Recalling Chennamma’s struggle against the British, Shivakumar said her fight for freedom and self-respect had inspired generations. Her life and legacy continue to serve as enduring examples of courage, patriotism and the determination to resist injustice, he added.
The Chief Minister said Kittur Utsava provides an important platform to introduce the region’s history, heritage and folk traditions to younger generations. Such cultural festivals help commemorate the contributions of historical personalities while ensuring that the rich cultural legacy of Karnataka is preserved and nurtured, he said.
The ceremony was attended by several religious leaders, including Sri Madivala Rajayogindra Mahaswamiji of Rajaguru Samsthana Kalmatha, Sri Panchakshari Mahaswamiji of Sriguru Madivaleshwara Matha, Palaksha Shivayogishwara Swamiji of Kadaravalli Seemi Matha and Nijagunananda Swamiji of Bailur Nishkala Mantapa Matha.
Among the political leaders present were Ministers Rudrappa Lamani and S.S. Mallikarjun; ruling party Chief Whip in the Legislative Assembly Ashok Pattan; MLAs Babasaheb Patil, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Asif Raju Seth, N.H. Konareddy, Mahantesh Koujalagi and Vishwas Vaidya; and Legislative Council member Channaraja Hattiholi.