Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President DK Shivakumar joined thousands of people at the Kunigal Utsava in Tumakuru on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
The colorful festival drew huge crowds as political leaders, film stars, and local organizers came together to celebrate culture and community spirit.
Leaders and Organizers Grace the Festival
Kunigal MLA Dr. Ranganath, who organized the event, welcomed dignitaries and guests. Alongside him, leaders such as Gubbi Srinivas, Uday Kadalur, and Iqbal Hussain participated in the celebrations.
The presence of DK Shivakumar added weight to the festival, as he interacted with attendees and praised the organizers for their efforts in promoting local traditions.
Star-Studded Evening with Popular Actors
The festival stage turned glamorous with the arrival of Sandalwood stars. Superstar Kiccha Sudeep, Dolly Dhananjaya, Zaid Khan, and veteran actress Malashree entertained the audience with their presence.
Fans cheered loudly as the celebrities greeted the crowd, making the evening memorable. Organizers reported that more than 20,000 people attended the event, highlighting the growing popularity of Kunigal Utsava in Tumakuru district.
ತುಮಕೂರಿನ ಕುಣಿಗಲ್ ಉತ್ಸವದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಪಿಸಿಸಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರಾದ ಡಿಸಿಎಂ @DKShivakumar ಅವರು ಭಾನುವಾರ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದರು. ಶಾಸಕರಾದ, ಉತ್ಸವ ಆಯೋಜಕ ಡಾ ರಂಗನಾಥ್, ಗುಬ್ಬಿ ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್, ಉದಯ್ ಕದಲೂರು, ಇಕ್ಬಾಲ್ ಹುಸೇನ್, ಖ್ಯಾತ ಚಿತ್ರನಟರಾದ ಕಿಚ್ಚ ಸುದೀಪ್, ಡಾಲಿ ಧನಂಜಯ, ಜೈದ್ ಖಾನ್, ನಟಿ ಮಾಲಾಶ್ರೀ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ್ದರು. pic.twitter.com/2svBTKOS6U
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) January 12, 2026
Culture, Community, and Celebration
Speaking at the event, DK Shivakumar said, “Festivals like Kunigal Utsava bring people together and strengthen our cultural roots.”
His remarks resonated with the audience, who applauded the emphasis on unity and tradition. According to The Hindu, the Deputy CM also encouraged youth participation in such events to preserve Karnataka’s heritage.
The evening concluded with cultural performances, music, and dance, showcasing the rich traditions of the region.
With political leaders, film stars, and thousands of enthusiastic citizens, Kunigal Utsava 2026 became one of the most talked-about events in Tumakuru this year.