On Sunday 4th October 2026 Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) concluded the fifth season of Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 at the Millennium Airport Hotel in Al Garhoud, Dubai. The full‑day festival brought together more than 2,000 Tuluvas and Kannadigas from across the United Arab Emirates.
Attendees described the atmosphere as vibrant and cheerful, with cultural pride evident in every corner of the venue. The programme kicked off at 9.30 am when a colourful procession entered the hotel grounds.
Traditional drummers led the march, followed by women in ethnic attire carrying Kalasha. Laxmi Poojary appeared as Aati Kalanja, bearing a Murrah of rice and vegetables, adding a distinct cultural flavour to the parade.
Religious dignitaries from India were honoured on stage. Dharmaguru Sri Sri Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharayavariya Swamiji of Jain Math, Moodbidri, Karnataka, Janab Anees Kousary, Dharmaguru Gen Sec SKSSF, Karnataka, and Rev Fr Victor Fernandes, Parish Priest and Dharmaguru of St Marys Church in Dubai, received tender coconut water and dry fruits before taking Maharaja‑style seats.
Although Minister of Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader could not attend because of an emergency meeting, he sent a congratulatory note. Main sponsor Dr Ronald Colaco also expressed regret at his absence but wished the event success. Padmashree Dr B.R. Shetty, patron of Kannadigas in the UAE, served as chief guest, while Special Guest of Honour Shri Mahabalamurthy Kodlekere, poet and novelist, and Shri Jagadish Adhikari of Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti were among the prominent attendees.
Shodhan Prasad welcomed the distinguished guests and introduced the master of ceremonies, Hitesh Ganiga and Sushana Ganiga. After a video introduction of the three eminent guests, the lamp was lit, rice was poured into a pot, the traditional pingara was opened and a flower plant was watered, completing a series of interfaith rituals that marked the inauguration.
The day concluded with applause and gratitude, underscoring the success of a festival that celebrated unity across religions while showcasing the rich heritage of Karnataka expatriates in the Gulf.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf