Dubai's Millennium Airport Hotel recently vibrated with the cultural richness of coastal Karnataka as the Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) successfully concluded 'Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026' Season 5 on Sunday, October 4th, 2026. This full-day celebration, themed 'Sarvadharma', drew over 2,000 Tuluvas and Kannadigas from across the UAE, fostering community spirit and cultural pride.
Festivities commenced at 9:30 am with a vibrant procession originating outside the hotel. Traditional drummers led the way, followed by women gracefully adorned in ethnic attire, carrying Kalashas. Laxmi Poojary embodied 'Aati Kalanja', carrying a Murrah of rice and vegetables, adding an authentic cultural touch to the occasion.
The event uniquely welcomed religious guests from India: Sri Sri Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharayavariya Swamiji of Jain Math, Moodbidri; Janab Anees Kousary, General Secretary, SKSSF, Karnataka State; and Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes, Parish Priest, St. Mary's Church, Spiritual Director, Dubai, UAE. Organizers traditionally greeted them with tender coconut water and dry fruits before seating them in Maharaja-style chairs facing the stage.
Padmashree Dr. B.R. Shetty, Patron of Kannadigas in UAE, graced the event as Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included 'Special Guest of Honour' Shri Mahabalamurthy Kodlekere, a renowned poet, story writer, and novelist. Shri Jagadish Adhikari, State Coordinator of Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti NGO (representing Jayakrishna Shetty), Wilson Fernandes of Parisara Premi Samiti, and Sarvotham Shetty, President of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, also attended. While Shri U.T. Khader, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, and Main Sponsor Dr. Ronald Colaco could not attend due to prior commitments, both sent their best wishes for the program's success.
Shodhan Prasad extended a warm welcome to all guests and the enthusiastic audience. Hitesh Ganiga and Sushana Ganiga expertly compered the proceedings. The inauguration ceremony itself reflected the Sarvadharma theme, combining traditional lamp lighting with pouring rice into a pot, opening 'pingara', and watering a flower plant, symbolizing an interfaith approach to cultural celebration.
Image: mangalorean.com
đź“° Source: Mangalorean Gulf