National banana fair to be held in Udupi alongside traditional Math ritual

Udupi: Sode Sri Vadiraja Math will organise a three-day national-level banana exhibition, ‘Kadali Vishwadarshana’, from November 29 to December 1, in conjunction with the traditional Bale Muhurta that marks the preparatory phase of the Math’s second Sri Krishna Pooja Paryaya for 2028–30.

The fair, to be held near the parking area of Sri Krishna Math, aims to showcase the diversity of banana varieties, scientific cultivation practices and value-added products derived from the crop. Sri Vishwavallabhatheertha Sripadaru of Sode Vadiraja Math announced the event at a press conference, stating that it seeks to connect the religious significance of the Bale Muhurta with contemporary agricultural development.

Over 10,000 visitors, including around 2,000 farmers, 2,000 students, researchers and entrepreneurs, are expected. Participants will include farmers and agri-entrepreneurs from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

The exhibition will feature displays of more than 100 varieties of banana bunches, sale of fruits and saplings of over 150 varieties, and a range of products made from banana fruit, stem, leaves and fibre, including handicrafts and eco-friendly items. India is home to over 500 banana varieties; during the fair, the Math plans to formally name and introduce one unique, currently unnamed variety.

Scientists from the National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, will present recent research and improved farming techniques, while experts from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, will demonstrate processing technologies and value-addition methods.

The Bale Muhurta itself will be performed on November 29. After early morning prayers at the Math’s deities, banana, sugarcane and tulasi plants will be planted in the Math garden at 7.45 a.m. during the auspicious Vrishchika Lagna, in the presence of the seer, Math officials, scholars and devotees. (eom)

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