Over 2,000 people enjoyed helicopter ride during Raichur Zilla Utsav

The Raichur Zilla Utsav, which was organised jointly by district administration, zilla panchayat, and various other departments, including Kannada and Cultural Department, for three days from February 5 to 7 at the University of Agricultural Sciences at Raichur, has left unforgettable memories in the minds of the people.

While the cultural events like Dollu Kunita, musical concerts, Rangoli competitions, literature discussions, Bharat Natya, Lambani traditional dances and songs, Krishi Mela, Udyoga Mela, and dog exhibitions were prime events, the helicopter ride service immensely attracted the people.

The participants from various places took part in cycling, bodybuilding, marathon running, and other activities over the three days.

The district administration, for the first time, launched a week-long helicopter ride for the people to watch the Raichur city from the sky. It was flagged off at Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium in Raichur on February 4 and continued till February 10.

“A helicopter, with a six-seat capacity, was hired from a private aviation company, and ₹3,500 was charged for a single adult, and the free service was extended to children under two years of age,” Deputy Commissioner Nitish K. told The Hindu.

The people booked their ticket online. On February 4, the heads of various religious Mutts enjoyed the helicopter ride and watched the historical Raichur city.

“As many as 2,166 people took part in the helicopter ride and enjoyed watching the city from the sky. A total of 436 people, with 72 rides, travelled in the helicopter on February 10, while 138 people too 23 rides on February 4. Initially, the people were not aware about the helicopter ride, but as the festival progressed, it received a good response,” Shivanand, Additional Deputy Commissioner, said.

Initially, the helicopter ride was planned for a few days, but the administration extended it for another two days after it received a good response from the public.

The district administration has collected approximately ₹70 lakh in revenue from the ride.

“I really enjoyed the ride, and it was a life-time experience,” Basavaraj, a young man, who attended almost every cultural event in the utsav, said.