Media Release
Dubai, Jul 29: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) held a meeting with all community leaders of Karnataka in the UAE on July 27 at Crew Lounge, Al Bustan Centre, Al Nahda, Dubai, to announce the much-awaited ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ festival event.
Alwyn Pinto, the leader of the Aatidonji Dina festival committee, extended a warm welcome to all community leaders and their committee members. "We are excited to announce that the much-anticipated ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ will take place on Sunday, September 1. The festival will be held at the Banquet Hall, Al Bustan Centre, Al Nahda, Dubai. The day-long event is scheduled to start at 9:00 am and will continue until 6:00 pm," he said.
"We look forward to celebrating with everyone and making this festival a memorable occasion for all involved," he added.
Nityanand Beskoor shared a fascinating account of the origins of ‘Aatidonji Dina’, a festival that began in coastal Karnataka. He explained the historical significance of the aati month and how the celebration has evolved over time. Initially rooted in local traditions, the festival has since expanded beyond its geographical origins.
Beskoor highlighted that the SCENT organization pioneered the celebration’s introduction to the Middle East, with events held in 2022 and 2023. These inaugural celebrations attracted over 3,000 attendees, who thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. This enthusiastic response has created great anticipation for this year's celebration, with many eagerly looking forward to participating once again.
Lt Gen Dr Devid Frank Fernandes, a distinguished businessman and renowned promoter of art and culture, has been appointed as the Patron of the Sandhya Creation Event Network Team (SCENT). In accepting this honor, Lt Gen Dr Fernandes delivered an inspiring and encouraging speech, expressing his commitment to supporting SCENT’s future endeavors and celebrating the rich cultural heritage they represent. He ended his speech with Sanskrit slokhas.
Shodhan Prasad provided a comprehensive overview of the upcoming ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ Festival, detailing what attendees can expect. His PowerPoint presentation outlined the various activities planned for the Karnataka-based communities in the UAE.
Event Highlights:
• Group Competitions: The festival will feature five major group competitions, each celebrating different aspects of Karnataka’s rich culture:
o Ethnic Aati Food Competition
o Village Ethnic Dress Catwalk Competition
o Poetic Recitation Competition
o Group Folk Dance Competition
o Group Folk Song Singing Competition
Each competition will be judged by a panel of esteemed judges, with winners announced during the closing ceremony.
• Participation Deadline: The final date for confirming participation in these competitions is August 15.
• Chief Guests: The festival will be graced by distinguished religious leaders from Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities. This choice reflects their commitment to promoting religious tolerance and unity. By including leaders from these diverse backgrounds, they aim to celebrate inclusivity and harmony, underscoring the shared values of mutual respect and understanding.
• Additional Activities:
o Health Check-up Camps: Provided by a well-known hospital.
o Homeopathy Consultations
o Ayurveda Consultations
o Blood Donation Drive
o Optical Discount Offers
o Book Stalls
o Antique Stalls
o Painting Stalls
o Food Stalls offering a variety of culinary delights.
These activities aim to enrich the festival experience and provide valuable services and opportunities for all attendees.
Community Response and Registration Update: ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ Festival
The announcement of the ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ Festival received an enthusiastic response from the community leaders present at the meeting. We are pleased to report that 14 community groups have already registered their participation on the spot:
1. Karnataka Sangha Abu Dhabi
2. Karnataka Sangha Dubai
3. Billawa Family Dubai
4. Amchigele Friends Dubai
5. Vishwakarma Seva Samiti
6. Brahmana Sangha Dubai
7. Veera Shaiva Samiti Dubai
8. Marghadeepa Samiti UAE
9. Mogaveers UAE
10. Sahebans UAE
11. Mangalore Konkans
12. Ramakhatriya Sangha
13. Konkan Yuva
14. Ganiga Samaj UAE
Additionally, 24 more communities have expressed their intention to confirm their participation shortly.
Please note that there will be a limited number of stalls available. As discussed in the meeting, only those who confirm their participation by the final date of August 15, will be accommodated.
They are looking forward to a diverse and vibrant representation of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage at the festival.
Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha President, Sarvotham Shetty, Karnataka Sangha Dubai President Shashidhar Nagarajappa, Treasurer Nagaraj Rao, Billawas Family President Deepak SP along with Satish Ullal, Billawas Dubai President Manohar Thonse, Veera Shaiva Samiti President Mallikarjuna Gowda, Amchigele Friends Sudarshan Hegde, Vishwakarma Seva Samiti President Kiran Rao Achar, Vice President Swathi Acharya, Brahmana Sangha representative Nagaraj Hebbar alongwith Rashmi Hebbar, Mogaveers Vice President Balakrishna Salian along with General Secretary Govardan Salian & Kishore, Marghadeep Samiti President Sugandhraj Bekal, Gammath Kalavidaru Founder Vishwanath Shetty, Thiya Samaj President Jasmitha Vivek, Sauharda Lahiri President Ashok Bailur, Sahebans UAE representative Althaf Abu Dhabi along with their members, Mangalore Konkans President James Mendonca, Buisnessman Philanthropist Joseph Mathias, Ramakshatriya Sangha President Eshwar Belki, Konkan Yuva’s Denzil Moras, Ganiga Sangha UAE President Supreeth Ganiga, Ramesh Ganiga, Oscar Rego of Mosaco Shipping, Patron of SCENT Lt Gen Dr Frank Fernandes and the Committee Members of SCENT, Nityanand Beskoor, Sudarshan Hegde, Alwyn Pinto, Kiran Kottary, Pramod Kumar, Reshma Pramod, Ashok Bailur, Manoj Poojary, Kiran Beskoor, Veena Hegde & Sandhya Prasad were present.
Shashidhar Nagarajappa spoke at the event, expressing happiness about their association with the unique programme. He mentioned that they had also participated the previous year and were the second winner of the Food Festival Competition. He highlighted Shodhan Prasad's strong support for Karnataka Sangha Dubai and other Sanghas in the UAE, emphasizing their continued enthusiasm to associate with him in special events. He also confirmed his support and committed to bringing more Kannadigas to the event.
Sarvotham Shetty humorously remarked on the challenge of bringing all community leaders together under one roof to announce a special event like 'Aatidonji Dina'. He briefly explained the rituals of the 'Aati' month, emphasizing that such events are essential for educating the younger generation about the richness of their culture and tradition. He showed his solidarity by confirming full cooperation and wished the event all the best.
Mallikarjuna Gowda also spoke at the event, affirming that he and his Sangha would surely support it. He noted that Shodhan Prasad is actively involved in many Kannadiga events across Dubai and is often seen personally participating. Gowda emphasized the importance of reciprocating this support for the unique event, ending his speech with a show of solidarity.
Nagaraj Rao also spoke at the event, noting that it would be a unique occasion that brings to mind the significance of the 'Aati' month. He emphasized the importance of this remembrance and expressed his immense support for SCENT, the organizers.
Balakrishna Salian also spoke at the event, confirming his full support. He added that he would ensure the arrangement of a 'Blood Donation Campaign' during the event, despite the current unavailability of slots.
Eshwar Belki spoke at the event, sharing that since they are settled in Mumbai, they had never heard about the ‘Aatidonji Dina’ celebration. He expressed happiness at learning about the importance of the festival during the meeting.
Sudarshan Hegde, with full spirit, concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks. He appreciated the support shown by various Sanghas and remarked that if this kind of overwhelming spirit continues, they could even look forward to celebrating the event's silver jubilee.
Light refreshments were served, and later all the leaders visited the banquet premises to view the location for this year's 'Aatidonji Dina' Food Festival in Dubai.