Dubai: The Veerashaiva Lingayat Samaja Dubai, UAE, hosted a grand Guru Vandana ceremony in the divine presence of Shree Shree Shree Siddalinga Maha Swamiji of Tumkur Math, Karnataka. The spiritually enriching event was held at the Banquet Hall of Fortune Atrium Hotel, Karama, Dubai.

Ceremonial opening and welcome

The programme commenced with a prayer and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by key dignitaries, including:

  • Shree Shree Shree Siddalinga Maha Swamiji

  • Mallikarjuna Gowda, President

  • Shree Neelesh H.P., Chairman, Parva Group of Companies

  • Shree Praveen Kumar Shetty, MD, Fortune Group of Hotels

  • Shashi Nagarappa, Vice President

    • The guests were welcomed by Vice President Shashi Nagarappa, followed by an introductory address by President Mallikarjuna Gowda.

    Appointment and felicitation

    A significant highlight of the ceremony was the appointment of Shree Neelesh H.P. as Patron of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Samaja Dubai, conferred in the esteemed presence and blessings of Swamiji.

    Following this, Swamiji was felicitated with reverence, after which he delivered a divine discourse and extended blessings to the attendees. Other dignitaries such as Shree Mallikarjuna Swamiji of Vijapet, Shree Neelesh H.P., and Shree Praveen Kumar Shetty were also honoured by Swamiji during the proceedings.

    Presence of community leaders

    The event witnessed the gracious participation of numerous business leaders and community heads from across the UAE, including:

    • Frank Fernandes, MD, Mosaco Shipping LLC

  • Praveen Amarnath, MD, TK Construction LLC

  • Jayanth Shetty, BUTS Dubai

  • Murugesh Gajare, Bangalore

  • Manohar Hegde, Karnataka Sangha Dubai

  • Satish Pujari, Karnataka Sangha Sharjah

  • Veeresh Patil and Chandrashekhar Lingadalli, Basava Samithi Dubai

  • Bala Salian, Mugaveers Dubai

  • Deepak, President, Billava Samaja

  • Sugandraj Bekal, President, Margadeepa Association

  • Sandesh Jain, Jain Milan

  • Nagaraj Udupi, IPF Karnataka

  • Sunil Gavaskar, Kannada Paata Shaale

  • Sagar Shettar and Megha Shutter, Gulf Geleyaru

  • Chandrashekar Sankole, Davanagere

    • …and many other distinguished guests.

    Conclusion and cultural celebration

    Joint Secretary Siddalingesh delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Swamiji, dignitaries, and attendees for making the occasion memorable. The evening concluded with a sumptuous vegetarian dinner, which featured traditional Karnataka delicacies such as ragi balls and sambar, celebrating the state’s rich culinary heritage.