Yettinahole project to be inaugurated on September 6: Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru, Sep 1: The ambitious Yettinahole project that would provide water to seven districts will be dedicated to the public on September 6, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Irrigation Minister D K Shivakumar said on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, he said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the project on Gauri Puja day.
"Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Hassan districts have been eagerly waiting for the completion of the project. Many leaders have fought for this project and all political parties have cooperated for this. I had taken up this project as a challenge in the last one year and completed the works on a war footing," Shivakumar said.
According to the DCM, the project had drawn a lot of criticism and there were some disputes pertaining to forest land but the government is sorting them out.
Once this land is handed over to the government, water will flow into main canals. Currently, water is being lifted from seven barrages and is temporarily released to Vani Vilas Sagar dam, Shivakumar explained.
Asked what transpired at the dinner hosted by the CM, he said, "We discussed the modalities of the 100th anniversary celebrations of Gandhiji assuming the office of the President of the AICC. The anniversary celebrations will focus on spreading awareness about Gandhi's principles among youth."
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Kerala government to create microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’ to boost tourism
Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to showcase Kerala’s rich Islamic heritage and attract a diverse range of tourists, the Kerala government will create a microsite on ‘Islam in Kerala’. The initiative, supported by Kerala Tourism, will feature a comprehensive digital presentation tracing the historical and cultural roots of Islam in the state. Kerala Tourism has sanctioned a sum of Rs 93.8 lakh for the development of the microsite, which aims to highlight the socio-cultural evolution of Islam in Kerala over centuries.
Islam has a deep-rooted history in Kerala, dating back to the 7th century. The microsite will serve as a digital platform to explore the role of Islam in shaping Kerala’s history, architecture, lifestyle, arts, and cultural practices.
The microsite will be divided into six chapters, each highlighting a distinct aspect of Islamic heritage in Kerala, aimed at both domestic and international travellers. According to an RTI filed recently, the content for the microsite is currently under development, with active research being carried out. Field shoots are being conducted at various historic mosques across the state to visually document it.
The first chapter, ‘History of Islam in Kerala’ will focus on the early introduction of Islam in the region, particularly through traders and their first settlement along the Malabar coast, as reported by The Hindu.
Chapter two will be on the Islamic pilgrim centres in Kerala such as Beemapally in Thiruvananthapuram and Juma Masjid in Kasaragod. A host of ancient mosques which are pilgrim centres, including the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, Jama-at Mosque in Malappuram, Mishkal Mosque in Kozhikode, Odathil Palli in Thalassery, Palayam Mosque in Thiruvananthapuram, Ponnani Juma Masjid, Pazhayangadi Mosque in Kondotty and Vavar Mosque in Erumely, will be featured, the publication added.
A third chapter will delve into the rich culinary skills of Muslims — Mappila cuisine, the distinct culinary tradition that blends traditional Kerala, Persian, Yemeni, and Arab influences. This segment will highlight the vibrant costumes of the community, including weddings, pre-wedding, and post-wedding ceremonies, which are expected to be an attraction for tourists.
Another chapter will focus on architecture, particularly the fusion of Arabic and indigenous construction techniques seen in the state.
The final chapter will cover art forms and festivals celebrated by Muslims in Kerala, including the influence of Mappila songs, a form of folklore that emerged in the 16th century.
“There is a need to bring together all the information on Islam, which played an important role in shaping Kerala, under one roof, as part of tourism promotion. This will help tourists and play a major role in bringing religious scholars, historians, students, and pilgrims to Kerala,” a senior officer with Kerala Tourism told the news outlet.
The launch date of the ‘Islam in Kerala’ microsite has not been decided yet. Earlier, Kerala Tourism had created similar microsites on Christianity, Judaism, and temples in Kerala.
