Media Release
Doha, May 11: Karnataka Sangha Qatar (KSQ), as part of its silver jubilee year celebrations, hosted the grand carnival “Belli Habba–Vasanthothsava”, themed 'Idu Namma Karunada Jathre'. The celebration brought together thousands of Kannadigas across Qatar, who joined with family and friends to experience the spirit of Karnataka through culture, heritage, performances, and cuisine.
The venue, New Ideal Indian School ground was designed to mirror the festive spirit of a traditional village fair, with the Silver Jubilee theme prominently reflected. The majestic entrance arch, named Salumarada Thimmakka Mahadhwara, symbolized the theme and set the tone for the event. Visitors were welcomed into an atmosphere that included food stalls, game booths, garments & fancy stores, a beautifully crafted stage, and culturally significant elements such as Tamate, Yakshagana headgear, a village home (Halliya Sogadu Anandada Beedu), a traditional shop, and buntings made of silver foil merged with Karnataka flags, and decorative lights —creating an immersive Karunada Jathre experience.
The program began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. KSQ vice president Ramesh KS outlined the safety guidelines and introduced the guest emcee, Prathibha Gowda. KSQ president Ravi Shetty in his welcome address wished Vasanthothsava bring more enthusiasm and confidence to the members. Chief guest Sandeep Kumar, deputy chief of mission, Embassy of India, and guest of honour A P Manikantan were felicitated, and they lauded the efforts of Karnataka Sangha Qatar.
Key sponsors were recognized with mementos:
• Silver Carnivals Sponsor: ALMA Alluminium & Steel, Satish (QDC), Ronald Coloco, Ravi Shetty (ATS) & Shrinath Hebbar (Land Trades)
• Gold Sponsors: V S Mannangi (Al Muftah Contracting), Deepak Singh (Roots Qatar)
• Associate Sponsors: Venture Gulf, Almoayyed Air Conditioning Qatar, Ultimate Trading & Contracting, and Mannai Corporation
ICC advisory chairman Baburajan was honored for his continuous support. Former MC members—Della Rego, Nirmala Raghuraman, Guruprasad, and Ismail—were also felicitated as they were not available during the Rajata Sambhrama. CEO of Media Pen Mr. Binu Kumar, artist Ajay, and members Prabhurajan, Megha Karthik, and the ATS team received tokens of appreciation for their support in organizing the event. The guest artists were felicitated as well.
The program continued with a vote of thanks by MC member Bheemappa Khot, general secretary Kumarswamy assisted guest emcee Prathibha Gowda, who conducted the event efficiently. The celebration was graced by advisory council members, senior well-wishers, and representatives from various Karnataka-based associations, including MC members from ICC, ISC and ICBF.
Cultural entertainment featured:
• Kambada Rangaiah, of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame
• Ananya Prakash, popular playback singer
• Kalavathi Dayanand, Karnataka State Film Award winner
These artists captivated the audience with melodious performances.
• Popular mimicry artist Gopi added variety with his humor and impressions.?
KSQ members staged the play Eellammana Aata, scripted and directed by Anil Bhasagi, with narration and choreography by cultural secretary Soumya KT and support from MC members Bhuvana Suraj & Bhavana Naveen. Cultural troupes from Bunts Qatar and Billawas Qatar contributed dance performances choreographed by Shafeeq and Raj & Swetha, respectively. Additional dance performances came from Team 974 of Incas Qatar, Spotlight Stars Dance Studio and Emote Edition Dance Studio.
A highlight of the evening was our neighboring country Bahrain Kannada Sangha’s Yakshagana performance “Shoorpanaki Manabhanga”, directed by renowned artist Deepak Rao Pejawara. Despite the late hour, the performance was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
The event’s food, shopping and game stalls gave attendees a taste of Karnataka, featuring:
Bangarpett Chats, Holige Mane, Uttara Karnataka Mirchi Girmit & Snacks, Lazeez Tuluva, Mangalore Coastal Cuisines, Uttara Karnataka Jowar Rotti Khanawali, Annu Annana Goodamgadi, Shetty’s Kitchen, Thindi Mane, Karavali Chicken & Mutton Restaurant, Ammana Tammana, Maikala Darbar, Nammur Military Hotel, Gowdru Cafe, Hoysala Ice Cream & Juice Stall, Hoysala Shooting Range, Chendadu Gunda, Hoysala Rolling Ball, Nipa’s Collection, Qatar Best Bags.
First aid and medical facility was provided by American Hospital. KSQ’s Karunada Malige stall also featured prominently.
The Ammana Tammana stall by Billawas Qatar was recognized as the Best Stall for its decoration and thematic presentation.
An online competition for the best singer of Rajata Geethe was held among members. Navaneeth Shridhar was declared the winner.
The dedication and hard work of KSQ management committee members, performers and volunteers over several days made the event a grand success and a memorable celebration of the silver jubilee year.
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