Media Release
Perth (Australia), Nov 15: ‘Namma Karavali Perth’, a community initiative started in 2015 by around 70 families from Tulunadu, celebrated its 10th Diwali with grandeur on November 9. The event, held in Perth, witnessed enthusiastic participation from children to senior citizens, showcasing a mix of devotional and cultural activities.
Over the years, Namma Karavali has become a hub for Tulu-speaking families, organizing a variety of events, including indoor and outdoor games, tennis ball cricket tournaments, and the much-anticipated annual Diwali celebration. The celebrations not only attract Karavali-origin families but also welcome participants from diverse backgrounds who enjoy the vibrant cultural displays and authentic Karavali cuisine.
This year’s Diwali event featured a lively mix of performances, including dance, music, Yakshagana, and comedy acts. Kids played a key role, participating in fun games and showcasing their talents on stage, offering a glimpse into the rich Tuluva culture.
A key highlight of the evening was the live comedy show by the popular duo from Daijiworld Television's 'Private Challenge' - Tulunada Manikya, Aravind Bolar, and Daijiworld founder, Walter Nandalike. Their performance was met with great enthusiasm, entertaining an audience of nearly 450 people. Both Bolar and Nandalike were honoured with a shawl, traditional 'Peta', and memento for their contribution to the event.
In his address, Aravind Bolar expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is heart-warming to see our people from Tulunadu keeping the culture alive even though they are thousands of miles away from home. This day will be remembered forever.”
Walter Nandalike lauded the efforts of the Tuluvas in Perth for preserving the values of Tulu culture, art, and community spirit. He remarked, "My dream to visit Australia was fulfilled last year in Sydney with the support of the Tuluvas. This year, another dream comes true as I get to witness live cricket at the iconic Perth stadium. I urge everyone to continue this unity and bring more artistes from Tulunadu in the future."
A distinctive feature of Namma Karavali is its non-hierarchical structure. There are no formal posts or elections. Instead, a group of 5 to 6 enthusiastic members takes the lead each year as the organizing committee, planning and executing the events with the support of co-opted sub-committee members. It is a testament to the power of teamwork.
The event concluded with a grand dinner, leaving the attendees with memories of a vibrant celebration filled with the essence of Tulunadu.