News: Shodhan Prasad
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Dubai, Sep 18: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT) successfully hosted ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ Season 4 at the Millennium Airport Hotel, Al Garhoud, Dubai, on Sunday, September 2025. The grand celebration witnessed an overwhelming response with over 2,000 Tuluvas and Kannadigas from across the UAE coming together to enjoy the full-day festivities. The event was filled with joy, interaction, and cultural pride, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere that was felt by everyone present.
The programme commenced with a grand and colourful procession from outside the Millennium Airport Hotel. Leading the way were traditional drummers, followed by women gracefully dressed in ethnic attire carrying Kalasha, while Laxmi Poojary appeared as ‘Aati Kalanja’, adding a cultural essence to the occasion.
The esteemed chief guests from India were Shri Shri Shri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Odiyoor, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Thottam church, Udupi, and Moulana Abdul Azeez Darimi, Imam of Chokkabettu, alongside the event’s valued sponsors and dignitaries. Among them were Devika Acharya of Tanvi Group of Companies (Main Sponsor), Vishwanath Prabhu & Jayashree Prabhu of V3 Integrated Solutions (Title Sponsors), Arvind Uchil & Sachin C.A. of New Shield Insurance Broker (Gold Sponsors), Pravin Kumar Shetty, President of Karnataka NRI Forum & UAE Bunts (Hospitality Partner), Dr Frank Devid Fernandes, MD of Mosaco Shipping & Forwarding Company (Patron), and Siraj Ahmed of Saheban Welfare Trust, DK & Udupi District, who specially travelled from Mangaluru, along with other dignitaries and members of the Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT).
A heartfelt welcome was extended by Shodhan Prasad to all the distinguished guests, invitees, and the large audience who had gathered enthusiastically right from the morning hours. He then introduced the honorary multi-talented actor and director, MC Prashant C K of Daijiworld fame, who took charge of the formal proceedings and carried the event forward with his signature charm and eloquence.
MC Prashant C K, a well-known versatile personality from Tulunadu, graced the stage as the Master of Ceremonies. With an impressive repertoire that spans mimicry, stand-up comedy, drama, and television, he is currently associated with Daijiworld, where he oversees programming.
A true multi-talented artiste, Prashant has excelled as a scriptwriter, lyricist, comedian, Yakshagana performer, TV presenter, MC, actor, and director—earning admiration across diverse platforms. His lively presence added colour and energy to the event. Later in the day, he also served as the judge for the Small Skit Competition, bringing his artistic expertise to the role.
MC Prashant C K took charge of the formal welcome and introduced, via the LED screen, the three distinguished chief guests who had specially travelled from India. Digital video clippings showcasing the profiles of each chief guest were played one by one, adding a modern touch to the traditional proceedings.
Following this, the dignitaries were ceremoniously invited onto the beautifully decorated stage, which was adorned with traditional elements such as fresh vegetables, rice murrah, kalasha, cultural artefacts, and a grand lamp, symbolizing prosperity and heritage. Alongside the Chief Guests, Pravin Shetty, Siraj Ahmed, the sponsors, and members of SCENT were also invited to the stage to join in the formal inauguration ceremony.
The ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp was carried out by all the esteemed guests, marking the auspicious beginning of the event. The proceedings then continued with a series of symbolic rituals—the unveiling of the ‘Pingara’, the pouring of water onto a jasmine plant, and the sprinkling of holy water, each performed one after the other by the invited dignitaries.
Finally, in a gesture reflecting prosperity and abundance, the guests collectively filled a traditional rice bowl with rice, signifying the formal inauguration of ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ in true cultural spirit.
Following the stage inauguration, all the dignitaries were invited to inaugurate the Community Food Stalls, beginning with the SCENT stall, which featured the traditional delicacy ‘Methe Ganji’ accompanied by a variety of chutneys. The chief guests formally opened the stall and personally distributed the first servings to the audience, adding a warm and symbolic gesture of sharing to the celebration.
There were 14 community stalls and 6 other stalls as follows:
The Food Festival segment was a true highlight of Aatidonji Dina 2025, with various community groups coming together to showcase the rich culinary traditions of Tulunadu. Among them were:
• Mogaveers UAE led by Bala Salian
• Brahmana Samaja Dubai led by Shiva Bhat
• Shree Vishwakarma Seva Samiti led by Kiran Rao
• Amchi Friends led by Sudarshan Hegde
• Mangalore Konkans led by Stephen Menezes
• UAE Bunts led by Chaitra Shetty
• Rajaka Family led by Mokshit Ramesh
• KADAM led by Manjunath Devadiga
• Udupi Balaga led by Rajesh Radhvi
• Krishna Jyothi Stall by Krishna & Jyothi
• Kannadigara Koota led by Arun Kumar
• Margadeepa Samskrutika Samiti led by Sugandhraj Bekal
• UAE Ganiga Family led by Supreeth Ganiga
Each group had beautifully decorated stalls, showcasing an array of authentic Aati delicacies. The stalls, glowing with vibrant lighting and filled with traditional flavours, drew the audience in large numbers. Visitors eagerly moved from stall to stall, savouring the unique tastes of seasonal Aati cuisine, while the aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the entire venue, spreading the spirit of Tulunadu’s food heritage far and wide.
In addition to the cultural and food stalls, several organizations contributed their services and support to the event. Grand Infinity Medical Centre set up a dedicated stall offering free medical check-ups, including dental consultations, with the assistance of a large team of doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Riva Laser & Medical Centre provided free medical consultations, while Vision & Style Opticals offered complimentary eye check-ups along with discounted lenses.
S B N Trading showcased a range of hygiene products, and the Pranic Healing Foundation extended free guidance on holistic healing practices. Adding to the excitement, Udupi Brindavan Restaurant sponsored numerous gift vouchers, which were later distributed to the audience during interactive quiz games hosted by MC Prashant C K.
At the same time, the independent judge for the food competition, William Apose, was introduced. A professional chef with over 17 years of experience in Dubai’s hospitality industry, he currently serves as a senior sales & operations manager, specializing in restaurant operations, catering management, and food & beverage services.
Apose visited each of the food counters, carefully tasting the specialties on display and evaluating them with his culinary expertise. His impartial judgment helped identify the best of the best stalls, with the winners being formally announced at the conclusion of the programme.
A special ‘Aati Dance’ performance was beautifully presented by Vidhushi Shashi Rekha along with her disciples, most of whom were children. The piece, brilliantly choreographed and enhanced with audio-visual techniques, brought to life the traditions of Aati. It highlighted the significance of rituals such as preparing Aati Kashaya and Methe Ganji on the sacred day of Aati Amavasya, giving the audience a deeper glimpse into the cultural richness of Tulunadu.
Shashi Rekha, an ardent exponent of Indian classical and folk dance, has been passionately training young students through her private institution. Her troupe, comprising well-trained children and youth, has earned acclaim with performances across Dubai and Sharjah. A dedicated practitioner of Bharatnatyam and folk dance forms, she has nurtured her group with commitment, preparing them for numerous cultural presentations and occasions with resounding success.
MC Prashant C K gave a brief introduction on the significance of the Aati celebration, emphasizing its deep cultural roots in Tulunadu. He highlighted the need to preserve these traditions and actively promote them among younger generations, ensuring that the heritage continues to thrive for years to come.
In between the segments, the audience was treated to live musical performances by well-known singers from Tulunadu based in the UAE, adding melody and vibrancies to the celebration.
Later, a beautiful cultural presentation titled ‘Aatida Gauji’ was staged by UAE Bunts. The performance featured talented artistes including Vasu Shetty, Gokuldas, Nishmitha, Master Atharva Shetty, Kumari Prisha, Vivian B Shetty, Megha Shetty, and Seetharam Shetty, with stage support by Sandeep Shetty and Vicky Shetty. The entire act was expertly coordinated by Dinesh Shetty Kottinja and was well received by the audience for its authenticity and charm.
This was followed by a captivating classical solo performance by Sonia Lobo, which truly proved to be a visual delight. A dedicated Bharatnatyam and semi-classical dancer, Sonia is also a seasoned performer, MC, and mentor, conducting online dance classes for children. Her graceful presentation during the event mesmerized the audience and left a lasting impression.
In addition to performing, Sonia Lobo also served as one of the judges for the dance competition, lending her expertise to evaluate the participants.
The formal programme, ‘Sabha Karyakrama’, followed next. The chief guests were invited onto the stage and warmly welcomed, taking their seats on the specially arranged sofas, with the main sponsor, title sponsor, and gold sponsor seated alongside them.
MCs Prashant and Shravya then led the proceedings, inviting on stage and honouring the sponsors, well-wishers, community stall owners, media representatives, Ramya and her RDRK Events Team, as well as Mahesh from the hotel management team—all in the esteemed presence of the chief guests.
As a token of appreciation, Shodhan Prasad invited MCs Prashant and MC Shravya to the stage and felicitated them for their dedication and the flawless compering that kept the entire event engaging and seamless.
Soon, the three chief guests—Shri Shri Shri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Odiyoor, Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of Thottam church, Udupi, and Moulana Abdul Azeez Darimi, Imam of Chokkabettu—were honoured on stage with dry fruit baskets, shawls, mementos, and garlands as a mark of respect and appreciation.
Following this, other partners and contributors were invited on stage and recognized one by one. Among them, Siraj Ahmed of SAHEBANS KUDLA, representing the Islam community and who had travelled all the way from Mangaluru, was also felicitated with a shawl, flowers, and a memento for his presence and support.
A 33-member troupe from Muscat, led by Vidhushi Smt. Theerta Kateel of Bhramari Nrithya Fine Arts LLC, performed under the banner of Karnataka Janapada Parishad, Oman Ghataka. Their presentation was brilliant, colorful, and meaningful, marking its first-ever performance on a Dubai stage. The performance captivated the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause and admiration.
All the artistes, along with their leader Shivananda Kotian, were honoured and felicitated with flowers, dry fruits, mementos, individual medals, and special mentions displayed on the LED screen. Additionally, Walter Mendonca, a senior member of the Muscat team, was specially recognized for his active contribution to the performance and for his pivotal role in bringing the troupe to Dubai.
MC Shravya took charge of the second segment of the event, which featured a series of exciting competitions for the audience and participants.
Before the competitions began, the audience was treated to a stunning dance performance by Vidhushi Roopa Kiran and her disciples from the Nritha Shakti Dance Troupe. The presentation was brilliant, showcasing both grace and technical finesse.
An eminent Bharatnatyam exponent, Roopa Kiran has specialized training in classical dance and has been teaching and mentoring Indian students at Amity International School, Sharjah, for many years. She has successfully guided her students in performances for various community organizations and gained widespread recognition in the UAE following her acclaimed performance in Sandhya Creations Event Network Team’s ‘Vidhyabhushan Show’.
Currently, she runs her own dance school, Nritha Shakti, nurturing a group of highly trained dancers and delivering successful shows across the UAE and beyond.
During the programme, the audience was treated to live singing accompanied by an orchestra led by Sandeep Acharya. He was joined by talented performers Prashanth C K, Shravya Gowda, Ashok Bailur, Dinesh Doddannagudde, Dr Santhosh Kemminje, Lancy Noronha, Sanchita, Carol Danthy, and Karthik, who together rendered soulful and melodious songs. Their performances were warmly received and applauded enthusiastically by the audience.
A total of six major group competitions were held among the participating community groups, with each performance evaluated and scored by a panel of expert judges.
1. Ethnic Food Competition
2. Fancy Dress Competition
3. Small Skit Competition
4. Humor Poetic Recitation Competition
5. Group Folk Dance Competition
6. Group Folk Song Singing Competition
The rules and regulations for each competition, including the judging criteria, had been clearly communicated during the prior meeting, ensuring full transparency for all participants. The decisions of the independent judges were considered final, and the organizers adhered to their evaluations in announcing the winners.
Carol Priya Danthy, a professional singer, served as the judge for the singing and humor poetic recitation competitions. A talented Mangalurean vocalist, she has carved a niche for herself within the Konkani community, especially in the UAE, with her soulful voice and melodious renditions.
Carol Priya has performed at numerous events both in Dubai and abroad, earning widespread recognition and acclaim. She has also participated in many singing competitions, winning multiple prizes and accolades, and has been appointed as a judge for several singing contests, further establishing her reputation in the social and cultural fields. A native of Shirva, she currently resides and works in Dubai.
After completing their respective roles, all the judges were invited onto the stage and felicitated with flowers and mementos as a token of appreciation for their contributions.
Results of the competitions are as follows:
1. Ethnic Food Competition
– 1st: Tie between Mangalore Konkans & Udupi Balaga
– 2nd: Al Ain Kannada Sangha
– 3rd: Amchi Friends
Speciality Prizes: Rajaka Family, Margadeepa Sanskrutika Samiti, Amchi Friends, Udupi Balaga & Mangalore Konkans
2. Fancy Dress Competition
– 1st: Mangalore Konkans
– 2nd: Brahmana Samaj
3. Small Skit Competition
– 1st: Al Ain Kannada Sangha
– 2nd: UAE Bunts
4. Humor Poetic Recitation Competition
– 1st: Tie between Al Ain Karnataka Sangha & Mangalore Konkans
– 2nd: Mangalore Konkans
5. Group Folk Dance Competition
– 1st: Brahmana Samaja UAE
– 2nd: KADAM
6. Group Folk Song Singing Competition
– 1st: Al Ain Kannada Sangha
– 2nd: UAE Bunts
The Rolling Trophy for achieving the highest overall score across all competitions was awarded to Mangalore Konkans. The trophy was handed over by Brahmana Samaja UAE, the winners of the previous year, in a ceremonial gesture celebrating continuity and excellence.
All these competitions were organized to encourage the various Tuluva and Kannada communities to come together, fostering unity and camaraderie. The events provided a platform for participants to engage in friendly competition while celebrating their shared cultural heritage in a sporting and enjoyable spirit. On the whole, the entire event went on very well, with thousands of people gathering, enjoying, and savouring Tulunadu’s traditional ethnic food in this part of the world.
‘Aatidonji Dina’, originally conceptualized by Shodhan Prasad, has evolved into a well-recognized cultural brand. SCENT (Sandhya Creations Event Network Team) is the first organization to bring this vibrant celebration to an international stage, outside of India. The 2025 event marked the successful presentation of its fourth season.
Sandhya Prasad, a dedicated member of SCENT, took on the challenging role of Leader for Aatidonji Dina 2025. She systematically organized and managed the event, ensuring its smooth execution from start to finish, earning widespread appreciation for her efforts.
The mega-event ran seamlessly from morning until late evening, featuring a variety of programs both on-stage and off-stage, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout. In recognition of her outstanding leadership and meticulous coordination, Sandhya Prasad was honoured with the ‘Best Leader of the Year 2025’ Award by the SCENT organization.
The entire event was broadcast live on prominent Daijiworld TV channels and streamed across various social media platforms, allowing audiences from distant countries to experience and enjoy the celebration virtually.
This remarkable event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the core committee members, comprising Shodhan Prasad, Sandhya Prasad, Alwyn Pinto, Nityanand Beskoor, Sudarshan Hegde, Ashok Bailur, Manoj Poojary, Kiran Kottary, Veena Hegde, Kiran Beskoor, and Roopa Kiran.
The event also received strong support from the sub-committee members, including Anand, Sharath, Roshan, Anish, Kiran Kumar, Akshat, Nagesh, Prashant Nayak, Reshma D’Souza, Sudhir Suvarna, Murali Shetty, Sachin, Nithin, Chetan, Rakshita, Ravindra Vokkaliga, Raghu Kini, and Nithin, who effectively managed a crowd of over two thousand attendees, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for all.
SCENT (Sandhya Creations Event Network Team) extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, both personally and monetarily, to make Aatidonji Dina 2025 a tremendous success. The event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of community members, sponsors, and well-wishers, whose involvement ensured the celebration was truly memorable.