By Ronald D F D’Souza and Joe Andrade for Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain

Bahrain, Feb 2: The much-awaited day for a Mangalorean nostalgia called ‘Kudlotsava 07’ arrived on Friday, Feb 2.

The programme coined by a core group of Mangaloreans under the auspices of ‘Lobo International’ and ‘The Palace Hotel’, took off at 12 noon with out-door games for men and women at the Palace Hotel grounds.

The overnight heavy rains on the islands of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the rainwater-soaked muddy puddles did not dampen the spirits of the Mangaloreans but instead heightened the nostalgia with a rain-soaked touch!

The organizers arranged a Kabaddi Tournament for the men and Throw ball tournament for the women. A large crowd gathered in the precincts to witness the games with a typical fun-filled enthusiastic atmosphere encouraging the team and its organizers every moment

Six teams from various groups took part in the Kabaddi tournament which included Mangalore Cultural and Charitable Association Team (captain: Stany Fernandes), Ullal Rani Abbakka Team (captain: Yogish), Shivaji Thokottu Team (captain: Praveen), Mogaveeras Bahrain Team (captain: Chandra), Metalco Bahrain Team (captain: Ashraf) and Creative Friends Team (captain: Sanjeeva Shetty)

The Throw ball teams for women was participated by Bunts Bahrain Team (captain: Asthika Shetty), Kannada Sangha Team (captain: Chandrakala), Mangalore Cultural and Charitable Association Team (captain: Rehna) and Kudla Gang (captain: Wilma).

The highlight of the Kudlotsava was the cultural programme organized in the evening. at  The Palace Hotel and was inaugurated by Oscar Fernandes, Minister of Labour, Government of India, who is specially in Bahrain for this programme as the Chief guest.  

The Indian Minister of Labour arrived in Bahrain on February 1 along with his family and was welcomed by H E the Ambassador to Bahrain and other dignitaries on arrival at Bahrain International Airport.

The cultural program titled ‘Kudlotsava 2007’ is a unique programme organized for the first time on the island for Mangaloreans.

About 25 well-known artistes from Karnataka including Baila King Claud D’Souza and Baila Queen Anita Samson, Srikanth and other local artistes will make Kudlatsava 2007 a day to remember.

Folk dances by the award-winning Tannir Bhavi Yuvaka Mandala artistes and the Harry’s Brass Band are the prime entertainers.