On Sunday, 4th October 2026, Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) hosted the fifth season of Aatidonji Dinata Utsava at the Millennium Airport Hotel in Al Garhoud, Dubai, drawing more than 2,000 Tuluvas and Kannadigas from across the UAE for a full‑day cultural celebration.
The morning programme kicked off at 9.30 am with a vivid procession that started outside the hotel. Traditional drummers led the march, followed by women in ethnic costumes carrying kalashas. Laxmi Poojary appeared as "Aati Kalanja" with a murrah of rice and vegetables, adding a distinct regional flavour.
Religious dignitaries from India honoured the event with a Sarvadharma theme. Among them were Dharmaguru Sri Sri Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharayavariya Swamiji of Jain Math, Moodbidri, Karnataka; Janab Anees Kousary, Dharmaguru General Secretary of SKSSF, Karnataka; and Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes, Parish Priest and Dharmaguru of St. Mary's Church, Dubai. They were welcomed with tender coconut water and dry fruits, seated on Maharaja‑style chairs before the stage.
Although Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri U.T. Khader could not attend due to an emergency meeting, he sent a note wishing success. Main sponsor Dr. Ronald Colaco also sent his best wishes, citing a prior commitment.
Chief Guest Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty, patron of Kannadigas in the UAE, joined a line‑up that included Special Guest of Honour Shri Mahabalamurthy Kodlekere, poet and novelist; Shri Jagadish Adhikari, state coordinator of Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti; Wilson Fernandes of the same NGO; and Sarvotham Shetty, president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha.
Shodhan Prasad opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, introduced masters of ceremony Hitesh Ganiga and Sushana Ganiga, and played a video that highlighted each distinguished guest. The traditional lamp lighting, rice pouring, opening of the "pingara", and watering of a flower plant marked the interfaith inauguration, reflecting the festival's inclusive spirit.
Throughout the day, drum performances, cultural showcases, and lively interactions kept the atmosphere cheerful, reinforcing community pride among the diaspora.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean Gulf