Mandaara New England Kannada Koota is one of the oldest Kannada Association in North America. NEKK is planning to celebrate “Ratna Mahotsava” – 40th Anniversary  in a big way with colorful, star studded treat for Kannadigas in Whitcomb School in Marlborough, MA on 6th and 7th October 2012.

When NEKK was established in 1973, little did one of the initial founders Sri. Rajendra Rao and Smt Renuka Rao know how large the organization would grow.  With 800+ members from Karnataka and with second generation Kannadigas who grew up in New England, NEKK is poised to scale new heights

The colorful line-up of attractions for Ratna Mahotsava  includes singing stars from India such as B.R. Chaya,(known as the Nightingale of Karnataka), Singer Ramaprasad and well known singers – sisters  Sunitha and Anitha Ananthswamy, daughters of the famous Mysore Ananthaswamy.  An audiovisual extravaganza in the form of “Yakshagana”, a traditional art form from Karnataka is also slated to draw huge crowds.  This Yakshagana will showcase the mythological legend of Narakasura by 10 member team  “Yaksha Manjusha” from India . Comedy and fun also marks the event; the well-known stand up artist Sudha Baragur is visiting from India specially for this event.  

Won’t an classical instrumental jugalbandi bring serenity and rapture to the occasion?  Arun Ramamurthy on violin and Indrajit Roy Chowdhury on sitar will perform a Jugalbandi at Ratna Mahotsava.  Two comedy dramas, Odissi dance by the well known Upaasana Group and many other attractions are planned.  Prominent local classical music and dance teachers, Tara Anand and Sridevi Thirumalai, are busy training kids for Classical music and dance ensembles that promise to be a huge success.

“We want enthusiastic audience participation” says Praveena Naduthota, President of NEKK.    Registration for two mega events are on.  Rangoli Competition and last but not the least – an eagerly awaited Kannada version of “Kaun Banega Crorepati”. NEKK will also release a 150 page colorful Souvenir called “Deevige” (Light) on the event.  This event and Souvenir have the blessings of dignitaries such as Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Scott Brown, Singers from India Ganesh Desai and many more.

NEKK celebrations will always have delicious Karnataka food and this event will be no different! There will be variety of food for both days. Kids will also be entertained with a kids activity center. Come to NEKK’s Ratna Mahotsava celebration at Whitcomb School, Marlboro MA on 6th and 7th October 2012 (the next long weekend) and enjoy the hospitality and fun filled events from NEKK and the people from Karnataka. Details available at www.NEKK.org or through email Koota@nekk.org

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