Report and pics by Rons Bantwal for Daijiworld News Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 16: For the first time, the Bunts association celebrated Janmashtami here on Tuesday August 15. The celebrations were organized by the cultural and literary committee of the association.

A competition ‘Muddu Krishna Vesha’ was held for the children of the members of the association.  Ankita Rai won the first place, while Veditha Shetty and Kanvi Shetty won the second and third places respectively. Sudhakar S Hegde, president of the association, distributed the prizes to the winners.

Speaking on the occasion, Hegde recalled his childhood days saying that during Janmashtami they would paint their faces to act out the traditional tiger dance, with whatever little paint they got, and used small tins as drums.  He added that the tradition should be made familiar to the present younger generation.

Anand Shetty, working president, cultural and literary committee, welcomed the gathering. Dr Sunita Shetty and Narayana Nandalike compered the programme. B R Shetty and Padma Gowda judged the competition.

Present on the dais were V K Shetty, honorary chief secretary, I R Shetty, honorary treasurer and Shivarama Shetty, working president, Mathrubhoomi Society.

The Kodyadka troupe presented Bhoothada Kola, while Tonse Dinesh Kotian presented the Huli Vesha and Bunta Yakshakala, the Karadi and Simha dances, followed by the famous tradition of hitting the pots. 

Merkala Shetty, Kodu Bhoja Shetty, Dr Prabhakar Shetty, Sunder Shetty, Bellipalli Balakrishna Hegde and others were also present on the occasion.