Fri Oct 24 14:01:53 UTC 2025: ## Mangaluru Celebrates Cricket History with Book Launch and Exhibition
Mangaluru, October 24, 2025 – Mangaluru is gearing up to celebrate its rich cricketing heritage with the launch of a new book and a week-long photographic exhibition. Organized by the Mangaluru Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in association with Art Kanara Trust, the event promises to transport visitors back in time to relive the golden era of cricket in the region.
The highlight of the event is the launch of “Red Cherries on the Canara Coast: The Story of Cricket in Mangaluru and Udupi,” authored by journalist Jayanth Kodkani. The book will be released by former Minister Krishna J. Palemar on October 25th at 4 p.m. at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture. Noted jeweller and antiquities collector M. Prashanth Shet and INTACH Mangaluru Chapter Convener Subhas Chandra Basu will also share their reflections on the book.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Kasturi Balakrishna Pai, a former umpire and passionate cricketer who generously contributed his personal archive to the project, will be felicitated for his support.
The accompanying photographic exhibition, open to the public from October 25th to November 1st, features a collection of rare photographs, vintage newspaper clippings, and personal memorabilia that trace over a century of cricket along the Canara coast. Visitors can explore the history of the game, from matches played on open fields to the iconic “Taj Mahal Trophy” games of the 1950s and 60s, and even the spirited “Baarish Trophy” tournaments played during the monsoon season.
The book and exhibition also highlight iconic players from the region, from pioneers like Budhi Kunderan, B.C. Alva, and Dayanand Kamath to modern stars such as K.L. Rahul.
The exhibition will be held at the Kodialguthu Centre for Art and Culture, G.G. Road, Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, and will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
First Piper 