Udupi: Udupi district, which is celebrating its silver jubilee year, has witnessed development in almost all sectors, said Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Thursday.

The governor was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the five-month-long celebrations to mark the Udupi district’s silver jubilee at Ajjarkad maidan.

He said because of the temples in the district, Udupi was also attracting foreign tourists.

He also recollected the efforts of politicians and bureaucrats who had led the district on the road to success.

He said the district, nestled in the midst of nature, was carved out as a separate district from the erstwhile Dakshina Kannada in 1997.

He added that the district had more women than men and there are 1,094 women for every 1,000 males.

The district has a matriarchal society tradition which has played a role in women’s empowerment, he said.

The governor said the Buddhist cave temple tradition is being followed by the Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples.

Nagaradhane, Siri and Bhoothakola, as well as the tiger dance and Atikalanja, are distinct practises in the district and represent Tulunadu culture and heritage, he said.

He added that every effort is being made to preserve the culture and tradition, as well as the rich legacy.

Karnataka is the most developed state in the country and Udupi is one of its most developed districts, he said.

The governor also praised Karkala for bringing stones to life and transforming them into beautiful sculptures.

Union Minister for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje emphasised the need to empower the district by boosting development in all sectors.

She also stressed the fact that Udupi is synonymous with devotion, banking, education and good food across the globe.

First district in-charge minister Jayaprakash Hegde and first deputy commissioner Dr Kalpana were felicitated on the occasion.