Buntara Sangha Kuwait (BSK) under the presidentship of Mr. Yadunath Alva presented the much awaited mega cultural event ‘BUNTAAYANA 2017’ on Friday April 28th, 2017 at the Cambridge School Auditorium, Mangaf. The highlights of the event were ‘Rapid Live Art Show’ by Mr. Prashant Shetty, famously known as Chithra Mitra, Special Performances from Mr. Ashok Polali, and the famous ‘BadaguThittu’ style Yakshagana ‘Panchajanya’ from the Kundapur Team of Yakshagana Artists. Guest Artist for the day was the famous Singer Mr. Vishwas Gurupura. The host for the Day was the very well known, young, dynamic and upcoming kannada cine star Mr. Saiheel Rai.
President and the management committee along with the ex-presidents and other senior members of the Sangha welcomed the Chief Guest of the day, Dr. Indira Hegde, the famous writer researcher from Tulunadu to grace the occasion. His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain – Indian Ambassador of Kuwait was also the guest of honor for the day.
The rhythmic beats of the drums, ‘Chende’ by the group of drummers, welcomed the guests at the entrance of the hall to a procession upto the auditorium. Beautiful ladies of Bunts community greeted the guests to the hall with the traditional Purna Kumbha Swagatha. The entrance to the hall was beautifully decorated by the PR committee members led by Mr. Sandesh Shetty. Stage decoration was beautifully done by Cultural Team lead by Mr. Jaysheel Shetty.
The cultural programs began at 4:00pm with formal introduction from Mrs. Shalini Vijay Shetty, and followed by prayer from Nalini Prakash Shetty, Kushi Prakash Shetty, and Deepthi Prashanth Shetty. Beautiful Invocation dance from NatyaVeda Academy followed by welcoming the audience in a unique way by all the committee members. Distinguished guests along with the managing committee & ex-presidents inaugurated the function by lighting the traditional lamp and released the souvenir. Vice-president Mr. Uday Kumar Shetty welcomed the gathering for the Mega Event ‘Buntaayana 2017’ and briefed the audience about bunts community.
Scintillating & Foot tapping musical dances like 'DENNANA DENNANA', 'Bollywood Mix', 'Tulunada Kalekarnika- Yakshagana Song', 'Glimpse Of Madhuri'- Bollywood Hits, 'Hits Of Bollywood Mix'. 'TuluNadu Porlu' Skits & Drama. BSK talents performed with high energy and zest which was equally enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences including the Yakshagana- fusion dance performed by the BSK kids which was the turned out to be the center of attraction.
Chief guest Dr. Indira Hegde was honored with flowers, Bunts traditional shawl, garlands, peta, fruits and memento by Management committee and His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain, Indian Ambassador to Kuwait along with his wife Dr Gargi Jain. They along with chief guest honored the Artists from India. Visiting artists Mr. Prashanth Shetty also known as Chitra Mithra, Compere-cine artist Mr. Saiheel Rai, Yakshagana Bhagavath Mr. Ramkrishna Hillur, Senior Yakshagana artist Mr. Gopal Achari Thirthahalli were honored by the Chief guest and the Indian Ambassador for their outstanding contribution in their respective field.
Chief Guest Dr. Indira Hegde thanked Buntara Sangha Kuwait for the honour bestowed upon her and spoke in detail about Tulunadu & Bunts cultural heritage, history and rituals. She also hailed the leadership qualities of bunt community and said that with good leadership a community can achieve greatest success. She also highlighted the contributions of Bunts community to the cultural heritage of Tulunadu like ‘Bhotaradhane’ ‘nagaradhane’, ‘kambala’ etc.
His Excellency Mr. Sunil Jain, spoke a few words on the event and about Bunts Community. He appreciated the hard work, integrity and achievements of the Bunt community in India and abroad. President Yadunath Alva in his speech explained the essence of Buntaayana-2017 and spoke on the history of Bunts and their contribution to the society. The sponsors of the event were felicitated with mementos during the function.
Ashok Polali presented his unique style of variety dance, wearing different types of façades with innovative ideas. Vishwas Gurupur and guest singer Nihal Tavro entertained audience with their melodious songs. The very famous ‘Chithra Mitra’ presented Live Rapid Art Show by drawing the portraits of Indian PM Narendra Modi and Shirdi Saibaba, with music and dance performances. It was indeed a mesmerizing performance highly enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences.
The much-awaited Yakshagana ‘Panchajanya’ a theater form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form in ‘Badaguthittu’ style entertained the audience with its professional and traditional acting and dance. It was indeed a visual treat for all the Yakshagana Lovers.
Mr. Saiheel Rai an upcoming Kannada cine star, the young and dynamic host for the day created magical moments with his impeccable sense of humor, and the crowds loving every moments of it.
Vote of thanks was proposed by General Secretary Mr. Praveen Shetty, thanking the participants, Sub-Committee members, Sponsors and well wishers for their continued support and making this mega event a very grand success. The program was well coordinated by Cultural Secretary Mr. Jayasheel Shetty and assisted by Mrs. Shalini Yadunath alva.
The function concluded with Indian National Anthem by BSK members and the audiences. Delicious and mouth watering food was served by Classic Plaza Restaurant.