Dubai: The fourth edition of the annual ‘Aatidonji Dina’ food festival will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Dubai, as announced by Sandhya Creations Event Network Team (SCENT). The festival, which has been a landmark event for the Tuluva and Kannadiga community in the UAE, has grown exponentially over the years, attracting thousands of participants and visitors.

Preserving Culture and Strengthening Community Bonds

‘Aatidonji Dina’ is more than just a culinary extravaganza—it is a celebration of culture, traditions, and community unity. The event not only showcases ethnic and traditional cuisines but also fosters religious harmony and cultural preservation. Every year, multiple Karnataka-based community groups come together, creating a vibrant and inclusive space where people from different backgrounds participate and engage.

The event also includes:

  • Health awareness sessions

  • Cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance

  • Competitions among community groups for the prestigious Rolling Cup

  • Stalls showcasing authentic Karnataka delicacies

    • Growing Popularity Calls for a Bigger Venue

    The official announcement of the event date was made during a ‘Lunch with Community Leaders’ on March 22, 2025, at Aavri Hotel, Deira, Dubai. Key community leaders from various Karnataka-based associations were present, including:

    • Praveen Kumar Shetty (President, Bunts UAE & Karnataka NRI Forum)

  • James Mendonca (President, Mangalore Konkans)

  • Supreeth Ganiga (President, Ganiga Samaj UAE)

  • Dr. Rashmi Nandakishore (President, Vokkaligara Sangha Dubai)

  • Sandeep Kotian (President, Biruver Kudla)

  • Vishwanath Shetty (Gammath Kalavidaru)

  • Dayanand Hebbar (Brahmana Samaj Dubai)

  • Kishore Kumar Kanchan (Mogaveers UAE)

  • Satish Ullal (Billawa Family Dubai)

  • Representatives from Udupi Balaga, Amchi Friends, and Vishwakarma Seva Samiti

    • During the meeting, SCENT founder Shodhan Prasad expressed gratitude to the community leaders for their continued support and participation in ‘Aatidonji Dina’ over the years. He highlighted the event’s rapid growth, stating that the festival had to be moved to larger venues due to the increasing number of attendees.

    Support from Community Leaders and Plans for Expansion

    Praveen Kumar Shetty, President of Bunts UAE & Karnataka NRI Forum, praised the success of ‘Aatidonji Dina’ and emphasised the need for a bigger venue this year. He acknowledged the festival’s growing international recognition, citing instances where visitors from different countries recalled their participation in earlier editions.

    He also announced the Bunts UAE World Event scheduled for November 2025, urging all community groups to mark their calendars for another grand gathering.

    Similarly, Dr. Rashmi Nandakishore shared her past experiences at ‘Aatidonji Dina’ and invited leaders to attend Vokkaligara Sangha Dubai’s annual program in April 2025.

    James Mendonca suggested that community groups contribute financially and physically to the event’s success. He stressed that while larger venues offer better capacity, they also require greater funding and resources.

    Competitions and Community Participation

    One of the most anticipated aspects of ‘Aatidonji Dina’ is the competition between community groups, especially for the prestigious Rolling Cup, which is awarded to the best-performing team.

    • Brahmana Samaj Dubai, the defending champions, confirmed their participation and expressed excitement about competing again this year.

  • Billawa Family Dubai, which had missed last year’s event, vowed to participate in full strength.

  • Mogaveers UAE and Udupi Balaga reaffirmed their support and shared their plans to introduce new culinary experiences for visitors.

    • Encouraging Sponsorships and Future Meetings

    Leaders like Eshwar Belki and Vishwanath Shetty stressed the importance of sponsorships and structured patron programs to ensure the festival remains sustainable and continues to grow.

    SCENT has planned further meetings with community representatives over the coming months to finalise venue details, logistics, and event schedules.

    To honour past participants, certificates for ‘Aatidonji Dina 2024’ were distributed on stage, presented by Praveen Kumar Shetty.

    Looking Ahead to ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’

    SCENT’s dedication to preserving Karnataka’s cultural heritage in Dubai has been widely recognised. The upcoming fourth edition promises to be the biggest and most engaging yet, with more participants, grander competitions, and an expanded venue.

    As preparations continue, organisers are calling for increased sponsorships and volunteer support, ensuring that ‘Aatidonji Dina 2025’ will be a landmark event for the Kannada and Tuluva diaspora in the UAE.