Rajyotsava & Deepavali 2005

Karnataka Rajyotsava & Deepavali celebrations were held at Sunnybank Community Hall, corner of Lister & Gager St., Sunnybank on 5th November 2005 (Saturday 5.30pm) with pomp & glory.

President Ashoka Tumkur addressed a gathering of around 100 people. In his speech he briefed how Kannada Sangha evolved to present status. He also requested all Kannadigas to join in future events. Kris Prasad & Uma, senior members of the Sangha, lighted the lamp followed by Invocation by Swati, who prayed for blessings from goddess Saraswathi.

Lamp dance 'Hotthitho hotthithu kannadada deepa' by our ladies dressed in silk sarees was the main attraction of the evening. Nikhila did a 'bharatha naatyam' for 'Aadiduvan' song on God Shiva, it was beautifully choreographed by Smt Chitra Yogi Srikkantha. Girija cheered up the audience by her 'Dhandia' dance for ‘Khani Tai Tai Kaun Sunawa ...’ song Choreographed by Smt.Sulagna Basu. Shwetha sang 'Jogada siri belakinalli'.

'Tirukana Kanasu' (begger's dream) a dance drama with beautiful costumes and stage settings was the key item played by our kids. 'Chaitra banthu chaitra' a song by Sreekanth was next. Aishwarya with her great moves danced for 'Nibuda nibuda' number. 'Aadona banni kannu muchchale' a folk dance followed by Jeevan's dance for Dr Raj Kumar's 'huttidare kannada naadalli huttabeku' number. Aishwarya danced with her 'kumbaranna' Jeevan for 'Munjaneddu kumbaranna' folk song. Manasi & Sangeetha lured 'Marada melina manganna' Siddesh with bananas in their dance drama. Girija asked 'balegara' Hema to visit her native in their dance drama for 'Bhagyada balegara' number.

Throughout the evening Vyasa Bhat (friendly known as 'VB') entertained the audience with his collection of jokes. Adithi & Sreekanth showed their hidden talents as the 'masters of ceremonies'.

Kris Prasad & Uma distributed the trophies to kids for their outstanding performance on the eve, also to adults who won their prizes during the funfair held on 22nd October at 17 Mile Rocks park.

Secretary, Prasanna Kumar gave the vote of thanks, National anthems 'Advance Australia Fair' and 'Jana Gana Mana' followed. Children enjoyed the sparklers. Mouth watering dinner catered by 'Jewel of India' topped with 'Gulab Jaamun' from Badya family & ice cream was served for free thanks to our sponsorers, ACA International, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Golden-Harvest Specialty Seeds, Premier Travel & Tours, J.K. International, Little Indian Palace, Jaipur Palace, All India Foods and Jewel of India.

'Kolata' followed by 'housie housie' game concluded Rajyotsava & Deepavali celebration for 2005.

Radio Brisvaani 1701 AM & Radio 4EB 98.1FM provided the much needed publicity during their community announcements for few weekends leading to the day. 

A 'professional quality' DVD of the entire program is available for a small fee of only $10 (to cover some of the costs). Thanks to Pushpa for recording & editing it. Please email us to obtain your copy.