CHICAGO: Viidyaranya Kannada Kuta (VKK) celebrated Sankranti Festival (Harvest Festival) at Rama temple, Lemont on Sunday February 10 in the presence of a large number of its members and guests, notwithstanding the inclement weather.
The Cultural Committee took great pains and efforts to organize the event with meticulous care and this was evident the way the entire program ran smoothly.
The stage was decorated with kites, props of sun, sugarcane, props of piles of grain and flowers which brought a festive look. There is a tradition in India to fly kites during this festival. Therefore a “Kite Decorating Contest” for kids was also conducted. First, Second and Third place prizes were given.
After religious rituals, the program was formally inaugurated by lighting of lamp by distinguished guests. This was followed by the singing of American and Indian Anthems by students of Sirigannada Kannada School. V.K.K. President Shreesha Jayaseetharam welcomed the guests and the Kannada Kuta members.
Special entertainment program of the evening was “Nireeksha” by “Soorya Performing Arts” from St Louis. The team performed dances with music for Kannada literary songs in Bharatha Natyam and Kathak Classical style. Jugalbandi of Kathak and Bharatanatyam dances and live singing by Seema evoked huge applause.
There were also a variety of other programs performed by junior and senior members of the Kannada Kuta. Fancy dress depicting famous Indian personalities by kids was eye catching. In another presentation, the kids demonstrated their Kannada proficiency by talking about various topics.
There was a Stand up Comedy session which was highly appreciated by a those present. Group of adults and kids sang a group song” Banthu Banthu Suggi” (Harvest season has come). Kids performed a group dance to the song “Suggi Kala Higgi Bandithu” (Harvest season has brought Happiness) which gave a glimpse of happiness brought in farmer’s life by the harvest season.
There was a solo Bharatanatyam performance by Navya Kamath. In memory of Swami Vivekananda, a song with live orchestra was performed. Tributes were paid to a famous poet, G.S. Shivarudrappa who passed away recently. Members were also briefed about Kannada related programs happening in the USA and also about other programs conducted by V.K.K such as Winter Olympiad, Sangama – a biannual magazine.
The evening ended with Vote of Thanks by Secretary Manjunath Kunigal. After the program a delicious traditional dinner including Pongal, Ellu Bella was served to all present . Indeed it was an evening of celebrations of the Harvest Festival
VKK is a non-profit organization that provides a forum for cultural and social activities for Kannadigas which represent Karnataka’s regional traditions. It also supports humanitarian causes through the VKK Charitable Fund.
S. Bhatta & Neetha Dhananjaya
