Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Sep 22: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT), in association with R D R K Events, is all set to present its flagship annual event, 'Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 – Season 5', on Sunday, October 4, at the Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai. The day-long festival has earned a unique reputation as the only event in the UAE that brings together Karnataka's diverse religions and communities under one roof to celebrate the rich heritage of Tulunadu through food, culture, and unity.

The DTCM permission has already been availed, and all other formalities are nearing completion, as announced by R D R K Events. A final meeting, ‘Dinner with Community Leaders’, was held on September 17 at 7 pm at the Olive Tree Restaurant in Avree Hotel Deira, Dubai, wherein all participating community leaders and their representatives were present to finalise the stall allotments.

Shodhan Prasad of SCENT welcomed the leaders and thanked them for their active participation over the past four years. With this being the fifth season, enthusiasm was evident on the faces of all attendees. There will be around 20 stalls, of which 13 belong to various communities, while the rest will offer free medical check-ups, Ayurveda consultations, eye screening, and product exhibitions.

Philanthropist and NRI distinguished fellow of the Institute of Directors (India Global) Dr Ronald Colaco has blessed and supported the event as the main sponsor. Although unable to attend due to prior commitments, he conveyed his best wishes for the event's success.

Inauguration

Minister of health and family welfare U T Khader will inaugurate the Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026. He has held several important constitutional and ministerial positions in Karnataka, including speaker of the legislative assembly and cabinet minister.

Religious heads to grace the occasion

Traditionally, SCENT has organised its flagship Aatidonji Dina festival in collaboration with all faiths. As always, religious heads (dharmagurus) of various faiths will participate as chief guests. This year, the following spiritual leaders will grace the function:

• Sri Sri Swasthishree Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji of Jain Math, Moodbidri

• Janab Anees Kousary, general secretary of SKSSF, Karnataka

• Fr Victor Fernandes, parish priest and spiritual director of St Mary’s Church, Dubai

Distinguished guests

Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty, founder of Parisara Premi Samiti NGO, Mumbai and Mangaluru, will be a guest of honour. Poet, story writer, novelist, thinker, critic, astrologer, numerologist, Vastu expert, and gemologist Mahabalamurthy Kodlekere from Gokarna will be the special guest of honour. Industrialist, philanthropist, and awardee of the highest civilian distinction in Abu Dhabi, Dr B R Shetty will also be a chief guest.

MCs Hithesh and Sushana will anchor the event, adding a special touch to the show.

A festival that celebrates unity

Shodhan Prasad, founder of SCENT and concept creator of the event, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all community leaders for their unwavering support. He remarked that the success of the festival has always been possible because people from all religions, faiths, and communities have stood together under one umbrella with the common objective of preserving the culture and traditions of Tulunadu. He appealed for the same spirit of cooperation this year, and the community leaders assured their wholehearted support to make Season 5 an even grander success.

Participating community leaders

• Shashidhar Nagarajappa, Nagaraj, Mallikarjuna Gowda – Karnataka Sangha Dubai

• Savitha Nayak – Karnataka Sangha Al Ain

• Arun Kumar, Mallikarjuna, Manjunath Rajan – Kannadigara Koota Dubai

• Kiran Rao, Shivani Dheeraj, Manjula – Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE

• Sugandraj Bekal, Manjunath Kasargod – Margadeepa Samskrutika Samiti UAE

• Satish Ullal, Mohan Kumar – MS Cricstars

• Kiran Gowda, Harish Kodi – Vokkaligara Sangha

• Sujith Shetty, Sadan Das – Namma Kundapra

• Dev Kumar Kambli, Aravind, Nagavarma – Jain Milan UAE

• Rajesh Radhvi – Udupi Family

• Jyothi and family

• Sudarshan, Veena Hegde – Amchigele Friends

• Bearys Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Hidayat Adoor

More communities are expected to join in due course.

A historic journey

Since its launch in 2022, SCENT is believed to be among the first organisations in the Middle East to celebrate the traditional Aati festival on such a grand scale. The festival has grown steadily over the years, attracting over 3,000 visitors annually and becoming one of the most eagerly awaited Tulunadu cultural festivals in the Gulf region.

Traditional Aati delicacies

Visitors can look forward to an extraordinary culinary experience featuring authentic Tulunadu specialties including Pathrode, Moode, Kottige, Manjalda Adye, Thojank Pelathadi Upkari, Kesuvina Chutney, Thimare Chutney, Kukkuda Chutney, Huruli Saaru, Chilimbida Adye, Thoute-Padengi Gasi, Uppad Pachir, Halasina Mulka, Halasina Thole, Kanile-Kadle Gasi, Pejakayi Chutney, Neeruppad, Holige varieties, Appa, Neer Dose, Pelkayi Gatti, Sukurunde, Kudutha Chutney, Saar, Nugge Ambade, Thetla Gasi, Mentheda Ganji, Thekkarada Adye, Garige, Baneleda Adye, Aritha Unde, Kanchalda Kajipu, Guriyappa, Pundi Gasi, Santani, Pelakayida Appa, Kukkuda Saaru, Nai Choru, Kadle-Manoli, Pachhadi, Gonku, Thatte Idli, Sambar, Rasam, traditional Payasas, and herbal Kashayas, among many others.

Continuous cultural entertainment

The festival stage will remain vibrant throughout the day with performances including various group and solo classical and folk dances, mimicry, poetry and Hasya Kavithe, small comedy skits, and fancy dress presentations featuring over 50 singers and 100 participants in total.

Medical, lifestyle pavilion and games

Visitors can benefit from free medical check-ups, eye screening, discounted optical lenses, Ayurveda consultations, health product exhibitions, and wellness counters. A dedicated games zone featuring exciting skill-based games will offer attractive prizes and entertainment for families.

Global live broadcast

The entire festival will be streamed live on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Daijiworld TV, enabling Kannadigas and Tuluvas around the world to witness the celebrations. The occasion may also witness film promotions, product launches, and other inaugural ceremonies.

For participation and enquiries, the following SCENT team members can be contacted: Sandhya Prasad (050 1273781), Alwyn Pinto (050 4583930), Sudarshan Hegde (050 5531192), Veena Hegde (056 5659988), Ashok Bailur (050 5588745), Kiran Kottary (050 4735319), Manoj Poojary (052 1816800), Anand Patte (055 4367780), Reshma D'Souza (055 9195606), and Oscar Rego (055 5892443).

The gate entry coupon is priced at AED 10, which will be available at the venue entrance. Visitors can also call any of the above members to reserve their passes.