Media Release
Dubai, Jul 19: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (Scent) is all set to present its flagship annual event, 'Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 – Season 5', on Sunday, October 4 at Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai. The day-long festival has earned a unique reputation as the only event in the UAE that brings together Karnataka's diverse religious and community organizations under one roof to celebrate the rich heritage of Tulunadu through food, culture and unity.
As part of the preparations, Scent convened a joint community leaders' breakfast meeting on July 18 at the Mayamani Restaurant Banquet Hall, Dubai, attended by representatives of numerous Karnataka-based organisations across the UAE.
A festival that celebrates unity
Welcoming the gathering, Shodhan Prasad, founder of Scent and concept creator of Aatidonji Dinata Utsava, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all community leaders for their unwavering support over the past four years.
He remarked that the success of the festival has always been possible because people belonging to all religions, faiths and communities have stood together under one umbrella with the common objective of preserving the culture and traditions of Tulunadu.
He appealed for the same spirit of cooperation this year, and every community leader present assured their wholehearted support towards making Season 5 an even grander success.
Religious leaders representing the Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths will grace the festival as Chief Guests, symbolizing the unique communal harmony that has become the hallmark of Aatidonji Dinata Utsava.
Warm welcome to community leaders
The meeting commenced with a minute of silent prayer followed by the introduction of Scent's core committee.
Each invited leader was warmly welcomed with a rose flower by Sandhya Prasad, after which everyone enjoyed a traditional South Indian buffet breakfast.
Among those present were:
• Arun Kumar – President, Kannadigara Koota Dubai
• Bala Salian – Vice president, Mogaveers UAE
• Shivani Dheeraj & Manjula – Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE on behalf of president Kiran Rao
• Sugandraj Bekal – President, Margadeepa Samskrutika Samiti UAE
• Satish Ullal – Biruver Kudla/Billava Family
• Alwyn Pinto – Mangalore Konkans on behalf of president Stephen Menezes
• Aashish Harish Kodi – Vokkaligara Sangha on behalf of the president Dr Rashmi Nandakishore
• Sujith Shetty – Namma Kundapra
• Karunakar Adyar– Souharda Lahiri
• Melwyn Cornelio – Karavali Milan
Several other organisations conveyed their continued support despite being unable to attend, including UAE Bunts, Karnataka Sangha (Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain & Ras Al Khaimah), Brahmana Sangha Dubai, Ganiga Sangha UAE, Gammath Kalavideru, Udupi Balaga, Sahebans Kudla UAE, Beary's UAE, Kannada CSI Church, Thiya Samaj, KADAM, Rajaka Family, Amchi Friends UAE, Kulal Sangha Dubai and many others.
Presentation of previous successes
A special multimedia presentation showcasing the spectacular moments from Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2025 was screened, drawing loud appreciation from all invitees.
Shodhan Prasad thanked Sandhya Prasad, who successfully led the landmark Season 4 celebrations with the wholehearted support of all participating communities.
Highlights from the successful 2024 festival, led by Alwyn Pinto, were also displayed, reminding everyone of the remarkable journey of the festival since its inception.
Inspired by the previous editions, the gathering unanimously resolved to make Season 5 the biggest and most memorable celebration yet.
The 2026 edition will once again be headed by Sandhya Prasad.
A historic journey
Since its launch in 2022, Scent is believed to be among the first organisations in the Middle East to celebrate the traditional Aati Festival on such a grand scale.
The festival has grown every year through 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, attracting over 3,000 visitors annually, becoming one of the most eagerly awaited Tulunadu cultural festivals in the Gulf region.
Plans for Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026
Through an elaborate PowerPoint presentation, Shodhan Prasad unveiled this year's festival plans.
Unlike previous years, the exclusive competition will focus entirely on traditional Aati vegetarian food display, encouraging participating community organisations to showcase authentic home-made Aati delicacies.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste and experience more than 70 varieties of traditional Tulunadu Aati cuisine, making the event a paradise for food lovers.
Food competition
Interest has exceeded expectations, with more than twenty community organisations already registering their intention to participate.
As space is limited, only entries confirmed on or before August 1 will be accommodated.
Participating teams were thoroughly briefed regarding:
• Competition rules
• Judging criteria
• Display requirements
• Stall allocation
• Decoration guidelines
• Judging schedule
Scent will provide decorated stalls, banners and basic infrastructure, while participants will prepare and creatively display their allotted food items.
A variety of awards and surprise prizes will be presented, while the prestigious Rolling Shield will be awarded to the team securing the highest overall score.
Traditional aati delicacies
Visitors can look forward to an extraordinary culinary experience featuring authentic Tulunadu specialties including:
Pathrode, Moode, Kottige, Manjalda Adye, Thojank Pelathadi Upkari, Kesuvina Chutney, Thimare Chutney, Kukkuda Chutney, Huruli Saaru, Chilimbida Adye, Thoute-Padengi Gasi, Uppad Pachir, Halasina Mulka, Halasina Thole, Kanile-Kadle Gasi, Pejakayi Chutney, Neeruppad, Holige varieties, Appa, Neer Dose, Pelkayi Gatti, Sukurunde, Kudutha Chutney, Saar, Nugge Ambade, Thetla Gasi, Mentheda Ganji, Thekkarada Adye, Garige, Baneleda Adye, Aritha Unde, Kanchalda Kajipu, Guriyappa, Pundi Gasi, Santani, Pelakayida Appa, Kukkuda Saaru, Nai Choru, Kadle-Manoli, Pachhadi, Gonku, Thatte Idli, Sambar, Rasam, traditional Payasas and Herbal Kashayas, among many others.
A special attraction will be the famous natural Mangalurean healthy drink – Kali Wine, available for purchase through the hotel's hospitality team.
Visitors will also be treated to free servings of traditional ganji vanas with chutney, recreating the nostalgic flavours of rural Tulunadu.
Continuous cultural entertainment
The festival stage will remain vibrant throughout the day with performances including:
• Dance
• Singing
• Mimicry
• Poetry
• Magic
• Drama
• Skits
• Children's performances
• Folk presentations
Applications for cultural performances will remain open until September 10th.
Medical & lifestyle pavilion
Visitors can also benefit from:
• Free medical check-ups
• Eye screening
• Discounted optical lenses
• Ayurveda consultation
• Homeopathy consultation
• Blood donation camp
• Health product exhibitions
• Artefact displays
• Wellness counters
Games & family entertainment
A dedicated Games Zone featuring exciting skill-based games will offer attractive prizes and entertainment for families throughout the day.
Master of ceremonies
Two energetic masters of ceremony will keep the audience engaged through interactive sessions, spontaneous entertainment, quizzes and spot prizes.
Global live broadcast
The entire festival will be streamed live on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Daijiworld TV, enabling Kannadigas and Tuluvas around the world to witness the celebrations live from Dubai.
The festival is also expected to host several prominent personalities from Karnataka, including celebrities, distinguished speakers and cultural icons. The occasion may also witness film promotions, product launches and other inaugural ceremonies, adding further excitement to the celebrations.
A message from the founder
Addressing the gathering, Shodhan Prasad said: "The vibrant spirit of Aatidonji Dinata celebrated in Dubai should echo all the way back to Mangalore, reminding every Tuluva that our culture knows no geographical boundaries. This festival is our humble tribute to our roots and our commitment to preserving Tulunadu's rich heritage for future generations."
Safety & compliance
The organisers confirmed that the festival will be conducted strictly in accordance with all applicable UAE laws and regulations.
All necessary permissions and licenses will be obtained from the relevant authorities, and a comprehensive event insurance policy will also be secured to ensure complete protection throughout the event.
For participation & enquiries
• Sandhya Prasad – 050 1273781
• Alwyn Pinto – 050 4583930
• Sudarshan Hegde – 050 5531192
• Veena Hegde – 056 5659988
• Ashok Bailur – 050 5588745
• Kiran Kottary – 050 4735319
• Manoj Poojary – 052 1816800
• Anand Patte – 055 4367780
• Reshma D'Souza – 055 9195606
• Oscar Rego – 055 5892443
• Shodhan Prasad – 050 1272847
Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 – Season 5 promises to be a magnificent celebration of Tulunadu's cuisine, culture, unity and communal harmony, bringing together thousands of people from across the UAE under one roof to celebrate their shared heritage.