By Adarsh Shetty
Daijiworld Media Network-Sydney (PMD)
Sydney, Oct 12: Australian Bunts Association (ABA) was inaugurated in Sydney on October 1. This is the first Bunts association in Australia.
The ABA Inaugural event and get-together was hosted on October 1 and 2. Held at Paraville Function Centre on day one and the George Thornton Reserve the next, the inauguration took on a grand sequence. The two-day programme accommodated both cultural celebrations and competitions, open to guests of all ages.
The performances of day one were preceded by the arrival of Hiriyer (an elderly couple), the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a welcome address. The line up of acts was launched with a Pili Vesha performance by a few children. A few more danced to another song after a brief parading through the crowd.
Going up the age ladder, the teenagers staged a dance-fusion, the youngsters, a desi masala. Young girls danced pinga, a folk dance. The audience were further enthralled with a performance by the ladies, navrahi while men danced to tune mari entry.
The audience dissolved into laughter during a stand up comedy performance. A few older members of the community presented a play on a day in the life of a Sydney-Bunt. A comic Tulu skit reproduced the squabbles of a married couple. A few members entertained the gathering with panache and style through a fashion show. Day one came to an end with a finale performance and sumptuous dinner, including the Mangalurean Kori Rotti.
Day two was filled with games and competitions, which comprised of the balloon game and passing the parcel for the children, egg and spoon race, tug of war, three-legged race, cricket with team Bangude against Buthai, volleyball, throw ball, soccer for youngsters, dodgeball for all, and a concluding lunch.
More than 350 people took part in the 2-day event.