Competitions, music, dance, food and other items highlighting Fijian culture were a part of the ‘Bula Festival’ held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre on February 24, 2013.
Organised by Radio Tarana, the annual event, featured the ‘Faag Competition,’ which attracted ten contestants.
Deepak Ramayan Bhajan Faag Mandali led by Sareen Prakash Dube claimed the top cash prize of $500, along with a trophy.
Jyoti Ramayan Bhajan Faag Mandali, winner of the contest last year, won the second position, qualifying for $200 cash prize and a trophy.
The Mandali’s lead singer was Vikash Deo Mithun, a regular entrant in the annual competition.
Samlit Ramayan Bhajan Faag Mandali, led by Sanjesh Nand, took the Second Runners Up prize of $100 and a trophy.
Pandit Dewakar Prasad, Master Nar Deo and Master Ashok were the judges.
Medal Contest
Radio Tarana Managing Director Robert Khan said that the radio station would organise ‘Medalist’ and ‘Non-Medalist’ Faag Competitions next year.
‘Welcome’ is the word that is synonymous with Bula and this year’s programme comprised a number of traditional Indian dances, folk dances, meke, ‘Theru Koothu,’ magic show, comedy and other items. A live band, with local singers and food stalls selling a wide variety of Fijian and Indo-Fijian food were major attractions at the daylong festival.
Return air tickets to Fiji, sold at special rates, were also popular,
Pawan Prasad is Senior Executive and Programme Producer at Radio Tarana.
