Media Release

Kuwait, May 19: Buntara Sangha Kuwait celebrated its annual event – ‘Buntaayana 2018’ on a grand scale at the Cambridge English School, Mangaf, on May 4.The concept behind the festival was to showcase the rich art and culture of the Bunts community with flavors of coastal districts of Karnataka.

Dr (Prof) H Shantharam Shetty, pro-chancellor of Nitte University and a well known orthopedic surgeon graced the occasion as the chief guest and Vasanth Shetty Bellare, Ln Kishore D Shetty, and Vishwanath Shetty Dubai were the guests. The rhythmic beats of the drums ‘chende’ by the drummers, welcomed the guests at the entrance of the hall. Beautiful ladies of Bunt community greeted the guests in to the hall with the traditional Purna Kumbha Kalasha Swagatha.

The entrance to the hall was beautifully decorated by the PR committee members led by PRO Chandrahas Shetty. The art and design work in the reception area represented the creative and rich traditions of Bunts community. Hall management was taken care of by sports secretary Prashanth Alva and behind the scene activities were efficiently coordinated by treasurer Surendra Shetty Karkala.

The cultural programme began with a prayer song and welcome dance by the sangha members and kids choreographed by Dr Preeti Shetty and lighting of the auspicious ‘deepa’ by the guests, managing committee and former presidents of the sangha. Vice-president Chandrasekhar Shetty Kurkalu Beedu welcomed the audience. On this occasion, the Buntayaana souvenir was released by Dr (Prof) H Shantharam Shetty. A beautiful concept set by the PRO team for Souvenir release impressed the audience.

The evening featured a host of programmes showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Bunts by the sangha kids and ladies. Tiny-tots of sangha mesmerized the audience with their beautiful dance choreographed by Sarita Chandrashekhar Shetty, Yogita Shetty and Sanjana Shetty.

The main attraction of the evening, ‘Bunta Isiri’, showcase of Bunts cultural grandeur by Bunts sangha members and kids won great applause from the audience and guests. The concept covered traditional Bunts marriage, engagement, baby shower, sports like kambala, folk art Yakshagana beautifully performed by kids, and historic personality like Bhootala Paandya, Devu Poonja, Agoli Manjanna were portrayed. The concept concluded with Kola. Director of the ‘Bunta Isiri’ Sathish Acharya, was felicitated during the event. This concept was written by Paramananda Salian.

Drama ‘Porludaaye’ by Gammath Kalavider Dubai was well received by audience. This drama was a mixture of all emotions and rib-ticking comedy. The drama concluded with good social message.

Dr (Prof) H Shantharam Shetty, Vasanth Shetty Bellare, and Vishwanath Shetty Dubai were felicitated during the event with presentation of shawl, bouquet and traditional tray of fruits. Hard working Sangha members Shalini Vijay Shetty and Sanath Kumar Shetty also felicitated for immense contributions to the Sangha. The sponsors for the event were honored by presentation of memento for their overwhelming support in putting out an event of such magnitude.

Chief guest of the event Dr Shantaram Shetty appreciated efforts of sangha for promoting rich Bunts culture in Kuwait. Guest Vasanth Shetty Bellare, president of Delhi Karnataka Sangha spoke about Tulu and Kannada culture in his speech and was informative for the audience. Ln Kishore D Shetty also appreciated sangha for providing a platform for artists from various fields .Vishwanath Shetty Dubai thanked sangha for support provided to the artistes.

Also a memento is presented to Suresh Salian and Sachidananada Suvarna for support given to sangha. Felicitation was well organized by Dr Preeti Shetty.

BSK president Dr Shekar Shetty in his speech briefed the audience about sangha’s cultural and social activities as well as the charity projects that are planned for the year.

General secretary Vishwanath Shetty rendered the vote of thanks. The programme was well coordinated by cultural secretary Sateesh Shetty Baja and the event was beautifully compered by Sreelata Deviprasad Shetty and Swarna C Shetty.

The grand programme came to an end with delicious dinner provided by Avanthi Restaurant.