“Dasotsava 2025” A vibrant celebration of Kannada culture in Kuwait

The Kuwait Kannada Koota, a prominent socio-cultural association for the Kannada-speaking community in Kuwait, kicked off its first event of 2025 with “Dasotsava – Bhava Thorana”, a grand celebration of Karnataka’s rich culture, traditions, and community spirit. Held on February 7th, the event brought together a large gathering of Koota members and Karnataka natives residing in Kuwait.

The event began in the early morning with a stunning décor, thoughtfully crafted by the Public Relations Committee under the leadership of Smt. Rajeshwari Ashok and Smt. Shilpa Hegde.

The event commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and enlightenment. Leading the inauguration were Kuwait Kannada Koota President Mr. Tharendra Shettigar, Vice President Dr. Preeti Shetty, Secretary Dr. Guruprasad Subbarao, and Treasurer Mr. Manjunath Jogi, marking the official beginning of the grand celebration.

The President’s inaugural address, delivered in eloquent and lyrical Kannada, set a captivating and inspiring tone for the event. Following this, the Cultural Committee took the stage, expertly leading the audience through a well-structured Kannada narration that maintained a smooth and engaging flow throughout the program.

The morning festivities kicked off with a vibrant array of activities, including singing contests, a lively fancy dress competition, and captivating cultural performances by children.

The children’s fancy dress competition emerged as the highlight of the morning, enchanting the audience with its creativity and charm. Participants showcased a variety of themes across different genres, bringing their characters to life with impressive costumes and confidence. The dedication and effort of the parents in crafting unique and imaginative ensembles were highly appreciated, adding to the overall brilliance of the event.

The event featured a delightful blend of children’s competitions and captivating cultural dances, leading up to the highly anticipated intergroup dance competition. Four enthusiastic teams took the stage, filling the venue with electrifying energy and nostalgia. Their dynamic performances not only entertained the audience but also rekindled fond memories.

The “Marala Mallige” team, led by Convener Mrs. Alaka and Co-Convener Mrs. Rashmitha Praveen, worked in seamless coordination with the Executive Committee to successfully launch the magazine “E-Marala Mallige”. This release marked a significant achievement, celebrating literary and creative contributions within the community.

The Executive Committee (EC) 2025 proudly honored the meritorious students of Kuwait Kannada Koota who excelled in their Class X and XII examinations.

In a heartfelt tribute, the Executive Committee of the previous year was honored for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the organization.

Furthermore, CA Prashant Shetty and his team proudly unveiled the Members’ Directory, marking another significant milestone in the event. This initiative served as a valuable resource, strengthening connections within the community and enhancing engagement among members.

The highlight of the event was the mesmerizing narrative show “Tulasi Kalyana”, masterfully orchestrated by the Cultural Committee under the leadership of Mrs. Shanthala Sathish and Mrs. Sourabha Vikram. This captivating production seamlessly wove together music, dance, and drama, leaving the audience spellbound.

The breathtaking backdrop and impeccable lighting enhanced the visual splendor, adding a touch of magic to the performance. To conclude the evening on a soulful note, the KKK men’s group created an enchanting ambiance with light classical music, immersing the audience in the richness of Kannada culture and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all.

The event concluded on a delightful and high-spirited note with a traditional South Indian feast, served authentically on plantain leaves. The sumptuous spread featured a variety of flavorful dishes, with the highlight being “kayiholige”, a beloved delicacy.

This memorable event was made possible through the generous support of esteemed sponsors, including Land Trades Builders and Developers, Al Mulla International Exchange Co., Joyalukkas Jewellery Kuwait, United Business Group, Oriental Restaurant, Jazeera Airways, and several other valued partners.

Kuwait Kannada Koota’s “Dasotsava 2025 – Bhava Thorana” stood as a shining testament to the organization’s unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Kannada culture and community spirit in Kuwait.