Rave party held to increase tourism in Udupi

Udupi: St Mary's Island on the Malpe coast played host to hundreds of foreigners and tourists who had come from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and other parts of India to participate in a three-day Rave Party called 'Spring Zouk' - the Island Festival that began on Friday. Over 600 couples participated in the festival.

Flashy lights, crowded beaches, loud rock music, round the clock acid house party packed with high levels of energy marked the festival. Sale of liquor in the Island, nude and half nude appearances by the party animals, smoking of banned substances like ganja in a party were introduced for the first time in the Udupi region. Over 300 tents had been installed at the Island for the tourists.

Udupi District Administration in association with 3W Concepts had organised the event as a tourism promotion tool.

"People from 3W Concepts approached us to organise the event. We agreed to the call as it will promote tourism and trade in this region. This is being held for the first time in St Mary's Island and this can be a annual event in the future, Deputy Commissioner MT Reju said.

"The time scheduled for the festival was apt as it was not interrupted by rains or any other natural problems. As several national and international rock bands were touring Udupi as part of a music circuit we thought this will popularise tourism in Udupi globally," the DC added.

Police and Excise officials have been asked to take action against isolated cases of ganja usage at the party, the DC added. He said that the district administration is working on creating a website focusing on tourism in the district. This will popularise the unexplored or less known tourism spots. Party organisers have been asked to contribute Rs 5 lakh to the Malpe Development Committee and the district administration which will be used for tourism development. Udupi MLA K Raghupathi Bhat took part in the inaugural.

Locak folk forms like Dollu Kunita, Kangeelu, Yakshagana, Suggi Kunitha by the Halakki tribes were also staged before the tourists.

####