Media Release
Muscat, Oct 31: The Bunts Community in Oman, fostering social and cultural unity for over 35 years, hosted the Kesarugadde Gold Fields (KGF) ethnic sports celebration on Friday, October 25. Held at the scenic muddy paddy fields of Kesaru Gadde in Oman, this fourth edition of the quinquennial event brought the community together to embrace their rich heritage through spirited traditional sports.
A standout feature was the construction of a traditional home, Buntara Bhavana 'Barkha Guthu,' which showcased Bunts’ cultural roots, instilling family values in the younger generation. Shri Divakar Shetty, managing director of Multitech LLC, led the venue's planning and execution, creating an immersive experience featuring elements of rural Bunt life: a Guthu mane, paaka shale, bhojana shale, paddy field, water well, bendur gurke, Tuppe, padi mancha, coconut groves, village huts, ethnic food stalls, and a performance stage. The space was adorned with traditional décor, including a Tulasibrindavan with Rangoli, a dompa roof made from 900 woven coconut leaves, and flower garlands. Guests were welcomed with an arch decorated with mango leaves and jasmine.
The day commenced with a Muhurta function, featuring a lamp lighting and prayer led by the organising committee. The guest of honour, Navaneeth Shetty Kadri, hosted the program, which featured housewarming and Koral kadiru kattuna rituals performed by Saroja Shashidhar Shetty and Suraksha Harshith Rai.
A traditional Bunta Upahara breakfast served dishes like live Dosa, Moode, Kadle bajil, sprouted moong, and Sheera, setting a warm tone for the day's events. Over 900 members and friends attended, including participants from Salalah, Barka, Nizwa, and Sohar. Volunteers prepared a traditional Bunta Bhojana lunch on-site, served on plantain leaves and including Kori Rotti, Pundi gassi, Kori Sukka, Kuduta saar, Basale kajipu, and Egg masala, adding authenticity to the celebration.
The KGF events, meticulously organized by Ganesh Shetty, Manoj J Shetty, Shishir Rai, Harshit Rai, and Diwakar Shetty Mallar, included a treasure hunt in Kesarugadde Gold Fields, Suggi dance, Kesaru gadde Oota (running race), Bonda shot put, handball, couple relay race, tug of war, and mosaru kudike. The Kambala buffalo race, a star attraction, featured five pairs of buffaloes from teams like the Kaup Mallar brothers, Mukkamane Kinnigoly, Muscat Guthu, Sohar Guthu, Ruwi Guthu, and Ghubrah Guthu. Supporters cheered on, creating an electrifying atmosphere as the buffaloes raced down the field.
The program concluded with contests like Goodudeepa sparde, Rangoli sparde, paddy dehusking, and coconut leaf weaving, and a nostalgic korikatta (cockfight) event. A captivating Kangilu dance by Swarna Siri Guthu members, followed by the Tulasi Pooja and Nalike Bajane against a scenic sunset, marked the event's finale. The committee honored Shri Navaneeth Shetty Kadri and key volunteers, with Shashidhar Shetty Mallar expressing gratitude to sponsors and patrons for their support.
Under the leadership of convenor Shashidhar Shetty Mallar and committee members including Saroja S Shetty, Shashidhara Shetty Mallar, Sudheera D Shetty, Diwakar Shetty Mallar, Shaina G Shetty, Ganesh V Shetty Kutharpadavu, Vanishree N Shetty, Nagesh Shetty Kinnigoly, Shreya M Shetty, Manoj Jayaram Shetty Badiadka, Anusha S Rai, Shishir Rai Chelyadka, Suraksha H Rai, and Harshith Rai Kenya Subramanya, the event provided a memorable experience for the community. The evening ended with a traditional dinner featuring Ganji, kudu saar, timare chutney, yeti chutney, and kori sukka.
The KGF Ethnic Sports Meet exceeded expectations, and the Bunts of Oman will continue their festivities with the 'BOSS Trophy' cricket and throwball tournament on October 4 at Al Hail Sports Ground and the Bunts Oman Sankrutika Sammilana on November 15, featuring a Yaksha Vaibhava performance by local Bunts talent in Oman.