Coastal Karnataka’s heritage comes alive at KWAR’s Karavali Parba-2015

Riyadh: Karavali Parba-2015, the annual fest of the Karavali Welfare Association Riyadh (KWAR) was held recently recreating a miniature coastal Karnataka in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The function was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the KWAR President Rajesh Kumar, Vice President Santhosh Shetty, General Secretary Nazeer Ahmed, former presidents Vijay Rai, Ramesh Shetty and Royston Prabhu, and former vice president Parvez Ali. Rajesh Kumar delivered the inaugural address.

Aathmika Rao performed an Indian traditional Bharatha Natya dance to mark the beginning of cultural programmes. Emerging artiste Srikanth Hejamady enthralled the gathering by presenting himself as the father the nation Mahathma Gandhi with Karavali theme song.

All the KWAR executive committee members along with some of the women’s wing members presented ‘Tulu Nada Vaibhava’ with a procession alongside the audience up to the stage, comprising the culture of karavali, where they presented the acts of Kombu, Pathake, Chande, Talla, Pili Vesha, Karaga, Gombe and the most famous Yakshagana.

The programme continued with solo folk, Hindi and Kannada movie songs performed by Mr. Santhosh Shetty, Mrs. Lekha, Mr. Rajiv Kamath, Miss Shreeja, Mrs. Ashwini Rao, Miss Aakansha, Mrs. Saujanya, Mr. Farooq, Mr. Bhaskar and Mr. Nazeer.

The most spectacular act was by the children of KWAR who enacted ‘Ek Anek’ symbolizing the KWAR slogan ‘Unity is our Strength’.

A colourful fashion show showcasing the traditional costumes from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, was conducted by Ms. Riba & Ms. Joshika left the audience spellbound. KWAR cultural team is comprised of Bhaskar P.M., Dilip Kumar, Mrs. Ritika Kamath and Shagufta Nauman.

Mrs. Veena Rai and Mr. Vijai Rai, the founder and former president of KWAR were felicitated with a shawl and memento by the President Rajesh Kumar and his wife Mrs Latha Rajesh Kumar, as the Rai family is leaving the Kingdom for good after 30 years of his service in the Kingdom. On behalf KWAR Mr. Rajesh Kumar wished them good health and a peaceful future life in India.

Some of the group dances were performed by various organizations like Murudeshwar Group, Barsa, Aangann Konknechem and SKAR. The most spectacular among the group dance was ‘India Wale’ performed by the young boys of KWAR members, choreographed by Master Zayeem.

Cinema Huchu, a hilarious tulu skit was performed by G3 Group, directed by Nagaraj Bajal. Muddu Manasina Munna, another skit was performed by Barsa Group.

Lucky draw was conducted on regular interval sponsored by Jet Airways, Air India, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Mahindra Holidays, and Malabar Gold. And also there was a Raffle Draw sponsored by Madina Hyper Market.

Mrs Eileen Mary Gonsalves, who completed 27 years of service in the field of education in Riyadh, KSA was also felicitated on the occasion by the women’s wing of KWAR. Vice present of KWAR women’s wing Mrs. Amitha Prabhu presented her with a shawl and a memento.

Nazeer and Parvez Ali were instrumental in hosting the entire event by presenting a variety of programs which kept the audience intact. A power-point presentation was running simultaneously presenting all the activities of KWAR since its inception.

The newly instituted ‘Karavali Jyothi’ award was conferred on Yathiraj Malpe, the executive committee member of KWAR for his exceptional qualities in serving the people and working towards preserving the unity of KWAR. He had also helped the stranded Indians during last year’s Nitaqat implementation drive in the Kingdom. He has helped many job seekers to find jobs and accommodations in the kingdom over the years.

Representatives of various organizations including President of Barsa Mr. Jagadish Shetty, President of SKAR Mrs. Rekha Manoj, Mrs. Indira and Mrs. Padmavati representing G3 Group, President and former President of Aangann Konknechem Mr. Roshan Lobo and Mr. Arun D’Souza, and P.B. Abdul Razak, a social worker associated with many charity and social organisation in Mangaluru were also honoured with flower bouquets.

All the participating children were awarded with KWAR medals. The final act by G3 Group with ghost effect thrilled the audience. The act was written, created and directed by Nagaraj Bajal. The programme was concluded at about 4:00 a.m. with the recitation of National Anthem.