U.T. Khader, Dharmagurus to Inaugurate ‘Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026’ in Dubai on October 4
Dubai, UAE: Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT), in association with R D R K Events, is all set to present the fifth edition of its flagship annual event, ‘Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 – Season 5,’ on Sunday, October 4, at the Millennium Airport Hotel, Dubai.
The day-long festival has earned a unique reputation as an event that brings together diverse religious and cultural communities from Karnataka under one roof to celebrate the rich heritage of Tulunadu through food, culture and unity.
According to the organizers, the event has received permission from the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), and all other formalities are nearing completion.
Final Preparatory Meeting Held
A final meeting, titled ‘Dinner with Community Leaders,’ was held on September 17 at 7 p.m. at Olive Tree Restaurant, Avree Hotel, Deira, Dubai. Community leaders and representatives of participating organizations attended the meeting to finalize arrangements for their respective stalls.
Shodhan Prasad of SCENT welcomed the leaders and thanked them for their active participation over the past four years. He noted that the enthusiasm surrounding the fifth edition was clearly visible among those present.
Around 20 stalls will be set up at the venue, including approximately 13 representing various communities. The remaining stalls will feature free medical check-ups, Ayurveda consultations, eye screenings and various product exhibitions.
Philanthropist and NRI Distinguished Fellow of The Institute of Directors (India Global), Dr. Ronald Colaco, has extended his blessings and support as the event’s principal sponsor. Although he will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment, he has conveyed his best wishes for the event’s success.
Inauguration
Karnataka Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Sarvagnanagar MLA, Shri U.T. Khader, will inaugurate ‘Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026’ and participate in the celebrations.
Shri Khader has held several important constitutional and ministerial positions in Karnataka, including Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet Minister.
Spiritual Leaders to Grace the Occasion
Traditionally, SCENT has organized its flagship ‘Aatidonji Dina’ festival in collaboration with members of various faiths. Continuing this tradition, spiritual leaders from different religious communities will grace the event as chief guests and offer their blessings.
The participating spiritual leaders include:
- Sri Sri Swasthisri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharayavariya Swamiji, Jain Math, Moodbidri, Karnataka.
- Janab Anees Kousary, Dharmaguru and General Secretary, SKSSF, Karnataka.
- Fr. Victor Fernandes, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church and Spiritual Director, Dubai, UAE.
Distinguished Guests
- Shri Thonse Jayakrishna A. Shetty, Founder of Parisara Premi Samiti NGO, Mumbai and Mangaluru, will be one of the Guests of Honour.
- Shri Mahabalamurthy Kodlekere, poet, story writer, novelist, thinker, critic, astrologer, numerologist, Vastu expert and gemologist from Gokarna, Uttara Kannada, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
- Padma Shri Dr. B.R. Shetty, industrialist, philanthropist and recipient of the highest civilian distinction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will also be the Chief Guest.
The event will be hosted by MC Hithesh and MC Sushana, whose distinctive anchoring is expected to add a special touch to the celebrations.
A Festival Celebrating Unity
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 said the festival’s success has always been made possible by people belonging to different religions, faiths and communities coming 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 all the community leaders present assured their wholehearted support in making Season 5 an even grander success.
Participating Community Leaders
Representatives of the following organizations and community groups attended the preparatory meeting:
- Karnataka Sanga Dubai – Shashidhar Nagarajappa, Nagaraj and Mallikarjuna Gowda
- Karnataka Sangha Al Ain – Savitha Nayak
- Kannadigara Koota Dubai – Arun Kumar, Mallikarjuna and Manjunath Rajan
- Vishwakarma Seva Samiti UAE – Kiran Rao, Shivani Dheeraj and Manjula
- Margadeepa Samskrutika Samiti UAE – Sugandraj Bekal and Manjunath Kasargod
- MS Cricstars – Satish Ullal and Mohan Kumar
- Vokkaligara Sangha – Kiran Gowda and Harish Kodi
- Namma Kundapra – Sujith Shetty and Sadan Das
- Jain Milan UAE – Dev Kumar Kambli, Aravind and Nagavarma
- Udupi Family – Rajesh Radhvi
- Jyothi and Family
- Amchigele Friends – Sudarshan and Veena Hegde
- Beary’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry – led by Hidayat Adoor
More communities are expected to join the celebrations in due course.
A Historic Journey
Since its launch in 2022, SCENT’s Aati Festival has grown into a major cultural celebration in the Gulf region. The organizers believe it is among the first events in the Middle East to showcase the traditional Aati Festival on such a grand scale.
The festival has expanded each year, with editions held in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 attracting more than 3,000 visitors annually. It has consequently become one of the most eagerly awaited Tulunadu cultural festivals in the region.
Traditional Aati Delicacies
Visitors can look forward to an extraordinary culinary experience featuring an extensive selection of authentic Tulunadu specialities, 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, various varieties of Holige, 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.
Continuous Cultural Entertainment
The festival stage will remain vibrant throughout the day with a wide range of performances, including:
- Approximately 10 group and solo classical and folk dance performances
- Performances by more than 50 singers
- Mimicry
- Poetry and Hasya Kavithe
- Short comedy skits
- Fancy dress presentations
- Folk performances
- Around 100 participants in total
Medical and Lifestyle Pavilion
Visitors can also benefit from a dedicated Medical and Lifestyle Pavilion offering:
- Free medical check-ups
- Eye screenings
- Discounted optical lenses
- Ayurveda consultations
- Health product exhibitions
- Wellness counters
Games and Family Entertainment
A dedicated Games Zone featuring exciting skill-based games will offer attractive prizes and entertainment for families throughout the day.
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 event may also feature film promotions, product launches and other inaugural ceremonies, adding further excitement to the celebrations.
Participation and Enquiries
For participation and enquiries, contact the SCENT team:
Name Contact Number
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
Entry Coupon: AED 10 only.
Entry coupons will be available at the venue entrance. Those wishing to reserve coupons may also contact any of the above team members.
‘Aatidonji Dinata Utsava 2026 – Season 5’ promises to be a grand 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.
