by Shodhan Prasad
Abu Dhabi, Oct 13: Abu Dhabi Kannada Fellowship Body celebrated Harvest Festival in their own unique way with large number of members participation.
India is an agricultural country enriched with good traditional values. When the paddy crop is ready, it is Harvest time. Harvest festival is celebrated in all parts of India. In South India, Keralites call it as Onam, Tamilians call it as Pongal, North Indians call it as Baisaki, whereas in Karnataka and Maharashtra they call it as Sankranti.
In Mangalore, Protestants call this Harvest festival as “BELE KANIKE HABBA” It’s a thanks giving offered to Almighty God as per the Scripture Exodus 23: 19. The first of the first fruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God . God was pleased with Cain, for he brought a sheaf of ripe golden corn gleaned from his harvest field.
This feast is celebrated in all parts of Mangalore, in the month of October on different
dates, so that the people can visit their loved ones on this occasion. In Mangalore, the paddy is brought to the church in great joy with bands and trumpets.
Inspired by the Holy spirit, Abu Dhabi Kannada Fellowship was started on 1sth Jan’2000 with three persons. It is a separate entity functioning on its own in Abu Dhabi with Lord’s divine grace and mercy. AKF celebrated their 9th Harvest thanks giving festival on 10th October ‘2008 at Food Land’s banquet Hall. The venue was decorated by AKF’s treasurer Augustine Amanna and his friends. The church Committee arranged breakfast before the function.
The Church service started at 9.05 a.m with a prelude by Baby Renita Maben. Organ was played by Mrs. Sapna Maben , Sexaphone by Allen James , Violin by Allen Robert s. Praise and worship was led anointedly by Raymond Soans, Johanna and Josline Jathanna supported by all talented musicians of Unity Kannada Church. The church service was conducted by Bro. Sushil Amanna. Anointed sermon was given by Pastor Sunil D’souza of Divine Generation Ministry, Shankarapura Udupi. AKF’s choir presented a wonderful Kannada harvest song. Little children also contributed by gracefully singing a Kannada & English Song. Beautiful Kannada & Tulu Hymns were sung by the congregation for the glory of the Lord.
Announcements were made by the AKF ‘s Secretary , Mr.Stevan Salins. Scripture reading was read by Bro .Ashok Raj and Vasant Huggi (joint secretary).Blessing of the Paddy was made by Rev. William Kunder. Paddy was arranged by Ayman Fly, Bolma , Mangalore. Paddy was distributed to all the congregation. The service was attended by more than 200 people including guests of Unity Kannada Fellowship and Sharjah Kannada fellowship.
Soon after the service followed auction of fruits, vegetables gift items etc. Various sport activities were organized by a group of enthusiastic people. Games commenced at 12.30 noon, which was led by a talented person (M.C) Mr. Navin Maben. Games were participated by all children, ladies, bachelors and couples. All the games were well enjoyed by the crowd.
Relishing vegetarian lunch with a variety of dishes were served in a traditional way on banana leaves. Special songs were sung by all talented people and the crowd was kept cheered by all musicians of AKF and AKF. Games and lunch were well arranged by volunteers.
Winners of the games were given prizes. Gift of Honour was presented by AKF’s Chairman Rejinold Maben and AKF’s treasurer Augustine to Ronald S. David (Ronny) member of UKC, who is leaving U.A.E for good to join his family in Mangalore.
The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by the Chairman Rejinold Maben and a closing prayer by Josline Jathanna. Without God’s grace and the co-operation of everyone , it was not possible to have such a wonderful day of Fellowship.