By : Shodhan Prasad
Photos: Ajay Nayak
Dubai, Jul 7: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) held a preparatory meeting with various Karnataka community leaders in the UAE on Sunday, July 6 at the Club Lounge, Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud, Dubai, to discuss and explore preparations for the much-anticipated ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Food Festival Event.
Shodhan Prasad commenced the meeting with a heartfelt prayer, uniting attendees from all faiths, who collectively prayed for the success of the upcoming event. This was followed by a one-minute silence observed in remembrance of those who have departed, offering prayers for their souls to rest in eternal peace.
Sandhya Prasad, the leader of the ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Festival, was formally introduced and she extended a warm welcome to all community leaders and committee members, greeting each one individually with scented water shower and jasmine flowers—a traditional Tulu Nadu gesture of hospitality.
She officially announced the upcoming ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Food Festival, scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 14, at the Al Garhoud Banquet Hall, Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud, Dubai. The day-long celebration will commence at 9 AM and continue until 6 PM.
In her address, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued support of leaders from various faiths, who have come together under one umbrella for the past three years, and earnestly requested their collaboration once again to ensure another resounding success. In response, all the leaders wholeheartedly reaffirmed their full support for the event.
Nityanand Beskoor provided an insightful briefing on the origins and significance of ‘Aatidonji Dina’, tracing its roots back to coastal Karnataka, where it began as a celebration marking the importance of the Aati month in the agrarian calendar. Over time, he explained, the celebration evolved and expanded beyond Karnataka, gaining prominence in other Indian states.
He proudly highlighted that ‘Aatidonji Dina’, originally conceptualized by Shodhan Prasad, has now transformed into a recognizable cultural brand. He further emphasized that SCENT may be the first organization to bring this celebration to an international stage, outside of India.
Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged Pravin Kumar Shetty of Fortune Group of Hotels for his logistical support during the first two years, which played a key role in the event’s early success. Due to the overwhelming response each year, the venue had to be shifted repeatedly to accommodate the growing number of attendees, reflecting the enthusiasm of the Tuluva community.
This year’s venue is expected to be larger than ever—comparable to the size of a football field. He even joked that a cricket ground might be needed next year, given the exponential growth in participation. In the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, the event attracted over 3,000 attendees annually, each leaving with fond memories and eagerly awaiting the next edition.
He concluded by noting that ‘Aatidonji Dina’ is more than just a cultural event—it’s a symbol of religious harmony, celebrated in the UAE by people of all faiths, religions, and communities, united under one umbrella in the spirit of togetherness and tradition.
Shodhan Prasad delivered a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation outlining the complete roadmap for the upcoming ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’
Festival Event, giving a step-by-step overview of what the Karnataka-based communities in the UAE can look forward to.
He announced six major group competitions that will take place among various community organizations:
1. Ethnic Food Competition
2. Fancy Dress Competition
3. Small Skit Competition
4. Humor Poetic Recitation Competition
5. Group Folk Dance Competition
6. Group Folk Song Singing Competition
The rules and regulations for each competition were clearly explained, including the judging criteria, ensuring full transparency and preparedness among participants.
In addition to individual prizes, a prestigious ‘Rolling Trophy’ will be awarded to the community group that accumulates the highest overall score across all six competitions. Emphasizing the importance of holistic participation, Shodhan Prasad encouraged all community organizations to compete in all categories to increase their chances of securing the coveted trophy—currently held by Brahmana Samaja Dubai.
All the competitions will be meticulously judged by a panel of competent and experienced judges, and the results will be officially announced during the closing ceremony of the event.
As part of the presentation, a list of mouthwatering traditional ‘Aati’ ethnic dishes was displayed on screen to help participants plan and prepare their contributions for the Ethnic Food Competition. The showcased items included a wide variety of authentic and nostalgic delicacies such as:
Pathrode, Moode, Kottige, Manjalda Adye, Thojank Pelathadi Upkari, Kesuvina Chutney, Thimare Chutney, Kukkuda Chutney, Huruli Saru, Chilimbida Adye, Thoute-Padengi Gasi, Uppad Pachir, Halasina Mulka, Halasina Thole, Kanile-Kadle Gasi, Pejakayi Chutney, Neeruppad, Bage Bage Holigey, Appa, Neer Dose, Pelkayi Gatti, Sukurunde, Kudutha Chutney, Saar, Nugge Ambade, Thetla Gasi, Menthedha Ganji, Thekkarada Adye, Garige, Baneleda Adye, Aritha Unde, Kanchalda Kajipu, Neeruppad Chutney, Guriyappa, Pundi Gasi, Santani, Pelakayida Appa, Kukkuda Saru, Nai Choru, Kadle-Manoli, Pachhadi, Gonku, Thekkareda Thalli, Thatte Idli, Sambar, Rasam, Bethe Bethe Payasa, Paledha Ketheda Kashaya—to name a few.
Additionally, a special Mangalorean natural health drink ‘Kali’ will be made available at the venue and can be purchased at a nominal price, courtesy of the hotel’s hospitality team.
Shodhan Prasad announced that 1st August, 2025 will be the final deadline for confirming participation in the various competitions and activities of the ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Festival.
Further adding to the excitement, this year’s event will feature a special attraction—a captivating ‘Yakshagana Ballet Dance’ performance by the talented young artistes of Yakshagana Tharabeti Kendra, Dubai, showcasing the rich heritage of coastal Karnataka in a vibrant, artistic form.
In addition, a live musical orchestra will entertain the audience with a delightful selection of melodious Tulu, Kannada, and Konkani songs, creating a festive and nostalgic atmosphere throughout the day.
To keep the entire family engaged, this edition will also introduce Talent Game Counters, offering a variety of interactive games and fun challenges for the audience to play and win exciting prizes.
As an added benefit to attendees, the event will also feature free booths for medical check-ups, including homeopathy and Ayurveda consultations, as well as eye check-ups. Additionally, there will be discounted eyewear counters, making this not just a cultural celebration but also a community wellness initiative.
A limited number of booths will also be available upon request for individuals or organizations wishing to display and promote their products, ethnic wear, books, periodicals, artifacts, finished goods, and similar items.
There has been an overwhelming and enthusiastic response from community leaders and associations who have consistently participated over the years, along with several new groups eager to join this year’s festival. Additionally, Karnataka-based associations from Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, as well as from neighboring Gulf states including Muscat, Qatar, and Bahrain, are expected to confirm their participation shortly. The final list of all participating organizations, along with their respective leaders’ names, will be announced soon.
The event will be hosted by well-known Masters of Ceremony hailing from Mangalore, alongside talented local presenters from Dubai, who promise to elevate the audience’s experience with their humor, charisma, and captivating stage presence.
Religious leaders representing the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Jain faiths will be the chief guests at the ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Festival Event, symbolizing unity and harmony among diverse communities.
The festival will also welcome several prominent celebrities and speakers from Karnataka as special guests, adding glamour and insight to the event. Additionally, the occasion may feature exciting film premieres, product launches, and other inaugural celebrations, making it a truly memorable experience for all attendees.
The entire event will be professionally recorded and broadcast live on prominent Mangalorean TV channels as well as across various social media platforms, allowing audiences from distant countries to join in the celebration virtually. Shodhan Prasad emphasized that the vibrant spirit and sound of the Aatidonji Dina celebration in Dubai should resonate powerfully back in Mangalore, strengthening the cultural bond between the diaspora and their homeland.
The entire event will be conducted with all necessary licenses and permissions obtained from the relevant competent authorities, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.
To register or for any enquiries please contact:
Sandhya Prasad 050 1273781
Alwyn Pinto – 050 4583930
Nityanand Beskoor – 050 6191209
Sudarshan Hegde – 050 5531192
Ashok Bailur – 050 5588745
Manoj Poojary – 052 1816800
Kiran Kottary – 050 7916319
Veena Hegde – 056 5659988
Kiran Beskoor – 056 1432265
Roopa Kiran – 050 2170319