Dubai, Dec 6: Despite the threat of rain hanging like a sword throughout the day, lovers of Tulu congregated in forces to take part in the much-awaited Tulu Parba on Friday December 5 at the Al Nasr Leisureland in Dubai.
The organizers were worried in view of rains earlier but as the sun came out one could see the smiles back on the faces of the organizers too.  No one was happier than the convener of Tulu Koota, C R Shetty who was elated that his team’s efforts were not watered down.

A great way to start the holidays one thought. The Tulu lovers had a treat to say the least. The evening was dedicated to pure entertainment alone. Without any interruption whatsoever, the comperes of the evening including Mohan Rai and Uttam Menezes went about their business nicely. 

The traditional lighting of the deepa was performed by Dr Chandra Shetty, wife of B R Shetty, managing director of New Medical Centre and UAE Exchange Centre flanked by various personalities.  The recent Mumbai terrorist attacks were also mentioned and the innocent victims were remembered in a silent tribute.
The entertainment presented was varied and interesting to say the least. Sarita Kirodian is a keen dancer who practices her skills with a lot of dedication. The nippy lady from Suratkal is ready with her performances at any time. It was a lovely welcome dance by Sarita that started the proceedings in true style. What followed then was a riot of laughter from the skits by various artistes. The most attractive traditional Kangil dance was yet another eye-pleasing act.  It was time now for some smashing Tulu music from the 'Waves of Love.'  They began with their non-stop Tulu sizzlers which were too hot for the spectators. Topping the charts was composer singer Vincent Fernandes with other prominent singers like Asha Correa, Melvyn and Sunil also in the act. Most of the popular hits were rendered in style by the group.

In between and briskly too, local personalities like Dubai’s Tulu veteran Jayanand Kunder, Spice Radio’s Herman Lewis, Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld fame and hotelier Shekhar Shetty were honoured with a shawl and memento by C R Shetty for their contribution to support Tulu activities. C R Shetty was also honoured for winning the Indira Priyadarshini award in New Delhi recently.

There were more hilarious skits and the traditional Yakshagana.  The main guest of the evening, former Mr World, Raymond D’Souza was then honoured in great style with the traditional shawl and memento. 

Raymond then delighted the audience with an exhibition of his fine body which was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.  “Waves of Love” appeared again on stage for some more Tulu numbers and ending their impressive performance with the non-stop and popular Tulu baila.  The auction for the novelties was conducted by Sarvottam Shetty in a brisk and fruitful manner for the Tulu Koota.

The piece de resistance however, was the most colourful tableaux where entries from Billawa Balaga, Rashidiya Friends, Yaksha Koota, Bunts Group, Tulu Ratha and the Mangalore Konkans tried to outshine one another in a glorious ending for yet another successful Tulu Parbha.  The presence of a happy Santa Claus indeed announced the arrival of the festive season and a message of goodwill as well.

It was indeed a feast for the ears and eyes without doubt for the people and by the people belonging to the traditionally rich Tulu community in Karnataka.

Hats off to Tulu Koota under C R Shetty for organizing such a cultural carnival and giving the Tulu community a feel of their own homeland though being so far away.