Mangaluru jackfruit festival: Kudla Pelakai Parba on June 21–22; supports farmers, local cuisine

MANGALURU: The two-day Kudla Pelakai Parba (Mangaluru Jackfruit Festival), a celebration of local agriculture and food heritage, will be held on June 21 and 22 at the St. Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendoorwell.

The event is being organised by Honeygensics Bee Farms and RO International, said organiser Ashwin Sequeira.He told reporters on Wednesday that the festival aims to highlight youth-led initiatives that promote local farming, entrepreneurship, and sustainable food practices. Farmers from across Karnataka, including Ramnagar, Doddaballapura, Kodagu, and Udupi, will bring farm produce such as jackfruit, mango, avocado, dragon fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, and more, all directly sourced and sold by the farmers themselves.“Kudla Pelakai Parba is more than a festival. It is a movement that celebrates coastal culture, supports farmers, empowers small businesses, and brings the community together through food and collaboration,” Sequeira said.Special attention will be given to jackfruit-based delicacies and value-added products from the Mangaluru and Udupi regions. Visitors can purchase a wide range of jackfruit dishes, snacks, and products made locally.

The event will also serve as a platform for small-scale industries and artisans to exhibit and sell their products. “We want to foster innovation, promote self-reliance, and encourage people to support local entrepreneurs,” Sequeira added.To boost the festive spirit, the event will feature fun games, an open mic, and live entertainment organised by St Aloysius College students and the Mangaluru City Rotaract Club.