by B G Mohandas
Pics by Sujay Bendur
Dubai, April 8: The Devadiga community members of UAE celebrated the Annual Get Together on Friday 7th April at Hotel President, Dubai in grand style.
What began in 1992 as a family feasting has now grown in to a full pledged Get-Together. A record enthusiastic audience in this year’s gathering signifies that Devadiga Koota of UAE has emerged as an influential Forum in the cultural milieu of the Emirates. It is well known that though small in numbers but vibrant in nature, many Devadigas have played major role in the development of many cultural forums of the region.
The much awaited programme started with invocation rendered by Akshatha Harish Sherigar. The lighting of the lamp was the privilege of Mrs & Mr.Omayya Devadiga who were accompanied by Mrs. & Mr.Dinakar, Narayana Devadiga, Anand Devadiga, Dinesh Kumar,Harish Sherigar, Mrs & Mr.Sheena Devadiga besides the program coordinators; Mrs.& Mr.Ramesh Devadiga & Mr.Shekar Moily.
As a mark of respect to Mrs.Rathnavathi Vaman Rao who expired recently a minute silence was observed and condolences were offered to the bereaved family.
The former President of Devadiga Sangha Mumbai Mr.J.K.Moily was felicitated along with his wife Malathi Moily on this occasion.
This family get-together witnessed a variety of entertainment conceived, planned and executed successfully by the enterprising duo of Shekar Moily & Ramesh Devadiga.
‘Bootha Kola’ is a religious tradition which plays a significant role in day to day life of the community members back home. This ritual plays a major role in uniting the members of a family and binding them together. This custom has now become a big affair as more & more well to do family celebrate it annually. Hence to enact Kola in Dubai in a Hotel ambience was a major challenge to the organizers. It is laudable that they succeeded in presenting this ritual in a professional way with the assistance of ‘Yaksha Mitraru’ & well known stage artist Vishwanath Shetty. Three Cheers to Shekar Moily & team for organizing, role playing and presenting this unique well applauded event.
Devadiga/ Moily / Sherigar are historically known as Temple Musicians and they play major role in the day to day worship in all Temples of the West Coast of Karnataka. Music plays major role in their life style. And this facet was exhibited in full extent in colorful vibrancy in this Get Together. Classical, Filmi Music & dances, Kannada Skit, Dolu Kunitha, Dombara Aaata , Jokes etc were mixed so well that the audience were fully engrossed and entertained in this day long programme held between 10Am to 5 Pm added with delicious ‘Oota’ prepared under the direction of the Hotelier Sheena Devadiga.
As stated earlier Music is in blood of every Devadiga and this inherent talent was trigged by specially invited versatile musician, composer & singer Nadeem who with his scintillating music won the hearts of all. Nadeem an Omani National who is a house hold name in Muscat was flown specially to this event by young entrepreneur Harish Sherigar.
Daughter of Ramesh Devadiga, Nikita deserves a special mention as she stole the show with her lively dances. So is, a comedy play ‘Mooru Muthugalu’ enacted by Udupi Restaurant group.
Devadiga Koota’s singing trio, Harish Sherigar, Suresh Devadiga and award winning singer Pramod entertained the crowd with their soulful singing to the tunes of Nadeem.
Ashok Moily, Arun & Pramod and Kumari Akshatha & Deeksha were others performers who captivated everyone with their performances.
Earlier one of the Coordinator Shekar Moily welcomed and later proposed vote of thanks too.
Dinesh Kumar conducted this successful event.
Dinakar Attavar, Narayana Devadiga, Anand Devadiga, Harish Sherigar, Ramesh Devadiga and Dinesh Kumar sponsored the gifts & spot prizes.
Harish Sherigar, Prop of Acme Building Materials Dubai was a major Sponsor.