Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 25: The Kannada Sangha Santacruz celebrated Aati Ondji Dina with traditional fervour and community spirit at the Rajyog Hall, Kherwadi, Bandra East, on Wednesday, July 23, under the leadership of president Sujata R Shetty.

Inaugurating the 2025 annual celebration, Harish G Amin, president of the Billava Association Mumbai, remarked, “Although I was born and raised in Mumbai and am not deeply familiar with Tulu Nadu’s traditional practices, the way this festival is celebrated here is truly special.”

The event was graced by several dignitaries including L V Amin (honorary president, Kannada Sangha Santacruz), Dr R K Shetty (general secretary, Bunts Sangha Mumbai), N T Poojary (president, Billava Chamber of Commerce and Industry), and Bhujanga Shetty (vice president). They were welcomed with floral bouquets by president Sujata R Shetty and other office-bearers.

Vice president Bhujanga Shetty highlighted the cultural importance of the Aati month, recalling how people in Tulu Nadu, despite enduring hardships, preserved their traditions. “The Kannada Sangha Santacruz has been organising this celebration to ensure those memories are not forgotten,” he noted.

L V Amin reflected on the resilience of earlier generations, who survived on simple, local foods such as thevu, tojanku, lambu, uppad pachchir, and goonji bajji, which contributed to their strength and health. “Preserving these traditional food habits is the core idea behind this event,” he said.

Guest speakers N T Poojary and Dr R K Shetty also shared timely insights on the significance of Aati Ondji Dina.

Sujata R Shetty, in her presidential address, praised the efforts of cultural secretary Vanita Nonda and the women’s wing for working tirelessly to make the event a success. “Celebrations like these foster unity and boost the confidence of women,” she noted.

Vanita V Nonda added that members had prepared a variety of traditional Tulu Nadu dishes using indigenous greens and ingredients, emphasising the importance of introducing such ancient culinary practices to the younger generation, even in this fast-food era.

The event was also attended by Ratna P Shetty (former treasurer, women’s wing, Bunts Sangha), Vajrakshi Pooja (head, cultural division, Bunts Sangha), Prashanti D Shetty (cultural secretary, Kannada Sangha Powai), Vinuta Shetty (head, women’s wing, Bunts Sangha Kurla Bhandup regional committee), Bhoja Shetty (advisor, Kannada Sangha Santacruz), and several well-wishers including Sudhakar Uchchil, Chandrahass Kotian, Ravindra Amin Bannanje, Suma Poojary, Sumitra Devadiga, Shakila P Shetty, Shalini G Shetty, Sujata S Uchchil, Sudha L Amin, Babita G Poojary, Veena Gowda, Kusuma Poojary, Prasanna Shetty, Girish Shetty, and Chetana Safalig of Rajyog Hotel.

Vanita V Nonda welcomed the gathering. Honorary secretary Jay V Poojary compered and delivered the vote of thanks.