Muscat: Buntara Milana - A Grand Celebration
by Clarence Pinto
Photographs – Dilip Correa
Daijiworld News Network
Muscat, Dec 2: It was nineteenth Buntara Milana in Muscat; exposition of full of passion of Mangalorean tradition and love to our own Motherland - Tulunadu. Full event was a perfect showpiece that brought the Bunts of Coastal Karnataka at one place and experience an amalgamation of fascinating culture and glorious tradition with a tender touch of family atmosphere.
19th Annual Buntara Milana was joyfully celebrated at the Le Grande Hall of Al Falaj Hotel in Ruwi on Friday, 1st December 2006 by the Bunts community members living in and around Muscat.
The entrance of the grand Le Grande was beautifully decorated and traditionally dressed Bunts ladies welcomed the guests with a Mangalorean smile. When we moved into the hall, we had a feeling that of pure Mangalorean atmosphere. Breakfast table arranged by renowned restaurant of Muscat – Swagath, was just like ‘Tajmahal’ Restaurant of Mangalore offering on the spot prepared masala dosa, sheera, idli vada and other delicacies.
The program commenced with devotional bhajan maliced with perfectly synchronized rhythms was presented by the Buntana Milana Orgnanizing Committee members invoking Heavenly blessing on all the participants.
Throughout the day, various programs very held to encourage Bunts children to present their talents. Adults too brought the glorious Mangalorean tradition to the audience with their memorable presentation cultural items. The “Ekka Sakka” dance presented by Kishan Shetty and his team received overwhelmed cheers from the crowd.
There were games for young and adults to exhibit their strength. Ladies too had many opportunities to become the part of the games and enjoy the full celebrations.
The Buntana Milana had special guests from United Arab Emirates; they were well known entrepreneurs B R Shetty of New Medical Centre, Sarvottam Shetty, Gokul Hegde, Jaykar Rai and T M Shetty. B R Shetty is his speech stressed the need to keep our tradition alive in foreign countries where we live and work and with this we pass our values to the next generation.
Special appreciations should go to Shankar Shetty, Karunakara Shetty, Nayan Rai, Atul Shetty, Shekar Shetty, Dayanand Shetty, Gunapal A Shetty and Uttam Kumar Rai who were instrumental to organize such a beautiful function for their community in Muscat.
A great and memorable function came to an end late evening and everyone left the hall with sweet memories and anxiety to meet in the next annual meet, which will be 20th Grand Celebrations.