Two-day Halasu Habba from tomorrow

Mangaluru: ‘Halasu Habba', the jackfruit festival, will be held for the 8th year in a row, starting from Saturday. The fest, organised by the Savayava Krishika Grahaka Balaga, showcases different varieties of jackfruit and features a variety of jackfruit-based dishes, snacks, and other products.Addressing reporters on Thursday, the Balaga president, GR Prasad, said that apart from the regular competition, the event has added a competition on the preparation of food from jackfruit. It will be held near Shri Sharavu Temple in the city.Dr Anandh K, Dakshina Kannada ZP CEO, actor Swaraj Shetty, and indigenous rice variety conservator Asmabanu will be the chief guests. On the occasion, jackfruit researcher and retired forest officer Gabriel Stany Veigas will be honoured.Farmers from across the state will participate in the festival, which will feature various types of jackfruit and a range of fresh snacks prepared organically, without sugar, maida, chemicals, colours, or fragrances, using only coconut oil. Other organic products will also be available for sale.Balaga secretary K Ratnakar Kulai said that this year several competitions have been organised for the public. Women, men, and children will have the opportunity to showcase their talents. There will be 10 competitions across nine categories of jackfruit. All winners will receive prizes and mementos, while all participants will be awarded certificates and medals. In two categories, cash prizes will be given to the winners.Some of the competitions include jackfruit eating, jackfruit lifting, cleaning jackfruit, removing jackfruit pods, guessing the jackfruit weight, making moode kotte from jackfruit leaves, and others. There are competitions for children like essay writing, elocution, and drawing. This year, a unique competition on the preparation of various jackfruit dishes will be held. Call: 9480682923.