Tulu Koota Kuwait celebrates a Fun-Filled Annual Family Picnic

Tulu Koota Kuwait (TKK), a prominent cultural association serving the Tulu-speaking community in Kuwait for 25 years, hosted its much-anticipated annual family picnic at Fahaheel Garden on Friday, February 21, 2025. The event, packed with fun, laughter, and exciting games, brought together members and their families in a vibrant celebration of unity and tradition.

TKK, established in 2000, has been dedicated to fostering unity through language while promoting the rich social and cultural values of Tulunadu. The association, affiliated with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, continues to support educational and welfare initiatives for the community.

The annual family picnic remains one of the most awaited events of the association, with enthusiastic participation from members of all ages. Featuring a diverse array of individual and team games, the event was a grand festival reminiscent of celebrations back home in India, providing a joyful space for all the members to enjoy and participate.

The day commenced with a warm welcome by hosts Mrs. Shobha Harish Bhandary and Dr. Manohar Prabhu. National anthems of Kuwait and India were played, symbolizing respect for both the ‘Karmabhoomi’ and ‘Janmabhoomi.’

A unique theme for the opening ceremony was presented by Mr. Suresh Salian and team. The management committee members, esteemed guests, and senior members of the association marched to the dais in a grand procession. Adding a cultural touch, trophies and sports equipment for games such as volleyball and throw ball were carried in a beautifully decorated ‘palanquin (pallaki)’ by members dressed in traditional attire. The procession also included children holding materials for traditional games such as Kutti Donne, Lagori, and Goli.

The event was officially launched with the ceremonial breaking of a coconut by the Sports Secretary Mr. Dinesh Suvarna. The Sports Torch was lit by the President, advisory committee members, and guests, and was brought to the venue by TKK’s First Lady, Mrs. Veda Shankar Shetty. The association’s flag was hoisted by the President and management committee members.

President, Mr. Shankar Shetty, in his speech, welcomed all participants, expressing gratitude for their presence and encouraging everyone to enjoy the games with a sportive spirit. He emphasized that participation and joy hold greater significance than winning.

The chief guest, Mr. Jaye Kumar, Sales Manager at M.A. Hythar Group Travels & Tourism, thanked TKK for inviting him to be part of the event and conveyed his best wishes in his speech.

The event featured a wide variety of games catering to participants of all age groups, from infants to senior members, that included games like Lucky Winners, Passing the Ball, Collecting the Color Balls, Reverse Race, Holding the Bottle, Sack Race, Threading the Needle Race, Knee Ball Race, Pick-n-Race, Hitting the Wicket, Ring the Wicket, Shotput, and Brick Balance. The event also included traditional games of Tulunadu, such as Tonka, Goli, Kutti Donne, and Breaking the Pot, as highlights of the competition. Engaging challenges like the On-the-Spot Quiz and Treasure Hunt captivated the audience.

The presentation ceremony was conducted by Dr. Preethi Shetty, with the President and the management committee members presenting the winning trophies to the recipients. The event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors, including Al Mulla Exchange, Badr Medical Clinic, and MA Hayther Group.

The day’s joyous moments were beautifully captured by photographer Mr. Alban D’Souza, preserving memories of yet another successful event by Tulu Koota Kuwait.

As TKK celebrates 25 years of dedicated service to the Tulu-speaking community in Kuwait, this event reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation, unity, and social engagement. The association looks forward to many more years of bringing the spirit of Tulunadu to the heart of Kuwait.