Dubai: Karnataka Sangha Dubai hosted the Mega Dance Cup – Dubai 2025 on May 25 at Al Nasr Leisureland, where 25 dance teams competed in one of the largest Kannada dance competitions in the Gulf region. The event was supported by title sponsor PARVA Group.
The dance contest was judged by a panel led by Sandalwood actor and dancer Prithvi Ambar, along with Vinod Sequeira, Sapna Kiran, Vrushali Dhumal, and Deeksha Coutinho. Drawing and rangoli competitions were judged by Susmitha Dhruva and Pancham.
The event began with a formal inauguration. Karnataka Sangha Dubai’s president Shashidhar Nagarajappa, vice president Daya Kirodian, general secretary Manohar Hegde, joint secretary Mallikarjuna Gowda, treasurer Nagaraj Rao, cultural secretary Radhika Satish, patron Ronald Martis, advisor Jayanth Shetty, and other dignitaries took part in the lamp lighting ceremony. Praveen Kumar Amarnath of SAION Properties, Harish Sherigar of ACME, and actor Prithvi Ambar were also present.
Actor Prithvi Ambar, the event’s chief guest, gave a short dance performance that was appreciated by the audience. He also encouraged participants to continue their efforts in dance. The event was anchored by Anthrija, Arathi Adiga, and Shri Hari, who kept the crowd engaged throughout.
Several community leaders and association heads from across the UAE attended the event. These included representatives from IPF, UAE Bunts, Value Soft, Karnataka Sanghas of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Gammath Kalavidaru, UAE Billavas, UAE Basava Samithi, Biruver Kudla, Mangalore Konkans, and others. Notable guests also included actor Abdulla Alijafaly.
During his speech, Karnataka Sangha Dubai president Shashidhar Nagarajappa thanked the founders of the organisation and acknowledged the continued support of sponsors and community members. He also spoke about upcoming activities. As the co-founder of PARVA Group, he was felicitated for supporting the event as title sponsor. Vice president Daya Kirodian appreciated the contributions of the organising committee and specifically thanked Manohar Hegde, Radhika Satish, Mallikarjuna Gowda, and Nagaraj Rao for their efforts.
A team of singers — Gunasheel Shetty, Jyothi Mallikarjun, Nagaraj Rao, Dinesh Doddanagude, Ashok Bailoor, Sukanya Sharath, and Ramachandra Bedradka — presented a Kannada song medley during the programme.
Winners of the competition received certificates, cash prizes, and gift hampers sponsored by Life Pharmacy, ID Foods, and COSMO. Other supporting sponsors like Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Puravankara, Spraytek Contracting, B-Town restaurant chain, and Faber Castell were also honoured. Harish Bangera, patron and founder of Dubai Source Advertising LLC, extended support to the event.
List of Winners of MEGA DANCE CUP-DUBAI 2025 presented by PARVA Group organized by Karnataka Sangha Dubai
The rise in the number of participating teams this year was attributed to the efforts of Manohar Hegde and Brunda Manjunath in connecting with dance schools and community members.
An art and crafts exhibition was coordinated by Vinutha KS and her team, highlighting the creative talents of participants. A children’s drawing competition, managed by Mamatha Razzak and Reshma Dsouza, saw participation from over 100 children.
Executive committee members Lawrence Nazareth, Siddalingesh BR, Sunil Gavaskar, Shwetha Jadhav, Shwetha Raam, Sameer Mohammed Sheriff, Rohith, Harish Kodi, and Naveen Bharadhwaj played key roles in organising the event.
