Udupi: As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations, the district administration in association with the Archaeological Survey of India, Tourism Department Udupi district, ACT and other organizations organized ‘light a lamp in dark Basadi’ (Kattale Basadiyalli Deepa Hacchona) at Katthale Basadi, Barkur near here on Tuesday, September 26.
The programme was inaugurated by G. Anuradha, Additional Commissioner of Udupi district by lighting the lamp.
In her inaugural address she said that with the support of other organizations, the district administration aims to provide a boost to tourism in Udupi under the theme ‘Sustainable Tourism – a tool of development’. Tourist places like Gometeshwara Betta, Chaturmukh Basadi, Koti Chennaya theme park in Karkala, Kathale Basadi premises at Barkur, Jumlutirtha in Hebri, Mannappala lake at Manipal and all the important beaches of the Udupi district will be cleaned up and various competitions for the students will be organized towards this end.
Speaking on the occasion, K Murteshwari, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI Bengaluru and Hampi Circles said that there were 130 monuments in the Bengaluru Circle and 85 monuments in the Hampi circle. Of the 130 monuments in the Bengaluru Circle, 11 are in Udupi district.
“There are so many monuments in Udupi district. Scholars in the district should come forward and bring important monuments to the notice of the ASI. It is also essential that people protect the monuments and ensure that they are not damaged,” she said adding that large number of foreign tourists visited various places in the state to see the historical monuments.
Anita, Assistant Director of Tourism Department, Manohar Shetty official of Malpe Beach Development, D’Souza President of Barkur Grama Panchayat and others were present.
At the end those gathered at Katthale Basadi, lit the oil wick lamps around the Basadi and entrance of the Basadi.
The Katthale Basadi is said to have been built between eighth century AD and 12th century AD. There are three structures that are places of worship on the basadi premises and a 20 feet long monolithic stone pillar has been erected at its entrance. It was built by rulers of Alupa dynasty who ruled over Tulunadu for about 600 years. Barkur was one of the capitals of the Alupa Rulers as well as it was the taluk. There are 365 temples built by the rulers to offer prayers every day in all the temples in a year.
