Karnataka Home, IT-BT and e-Governance Minister and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge on Tuesday called on residents, students, youth, and families to attend the 79th Kalyana Karnataka Utsav 2026 in Kalaburagi in large numbers, ahead of the two-day celebration scheduled for 16 and 17 September. The festival honours the history, art, culture, and traditions of the Kalyana Karnataka region through a packed programme of cultural, musical, dance, and entertainment events spread across multiple city venues.

Minister's Appeal to Citizens

Priyank Kharge described the event as 'a people's festival celebrating the history, art, culture, traditions and talent of our region.' He made a specific appeal to school and college students and young people, urging them to attend and encourage local artists and performers.

'Kalaburagi city will come alive with festivities on September 16 and 17. The active participation of the public will be the key to the success of the festival,' Kharge said.

Day One: September 16 Programme Highlights

On 16 September, cultural performances by local artists will begin at Public Garden from 6.30 p.m., including classical and other dance performances. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will inaugurate a Street Festival at 8 p.m., followed by a performance by the Savari Band team from 8.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At Appana Kere, an Indo-fusion instrumental set by Bhairav and team is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Chief Minister Shivakumar will also inaugurate lake development works at the venue at 8.30 p.m., followed by a 3D light show and drone show from 9 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Day Two: September 17 Programme Highlights

On 17 September, marking Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will hoist the national flag at 9 a.m. at the Police Parade Ground. A group dance by the Dance Karnataka Dance team is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the parade ground, alongside a live painting session by renowned artist Vilas Nayak.

At Dr S.M. Pandit Rangamandira, an evening programme from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will feature Ganesh Vandana, stand-up comedy by Vivek Maralidharan, a contemporary dance by Step N Style, and stand-up comedy by S. Sonuvenu Gopal. Bengaluru-based Acoustic Saga will deliver a multilingual musical performance from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

At Public Garden on 17 September, dance performances, Sugama Sangeetha, and a stand-up comedy act by Srushti are lined up from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa team presenting a musical show from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A sound-and-light show at Appana Kere will run every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Significance of the Celebration

The Kalyana Karnataka Utsav marks the Liberation Day of the Kalyana Karnataka region, which was historically integrated into Karnataka from the Nizam's rule. The region, comprising districts such as Kalaburagi, Raichur, and Bidar, has long advocated recognition of its distinct cultural identity. This year's edition being the 79th underscores the event's deep historical resonance for communities in northern Karnataka.

With Chief Minister Shivakumar personally presiding over key events across both days, the state government's emphasis on the region's development — including the inauguration of lake development works — signals that the celebrations carry an administrative dimension beyond the cultural.