KATHMANDU:

Although the programme had already begun, there still remained a bit of commotion as mothers tried to give final touches to their children’s get-up and the children looked at each other and giggled.

The Bhagwan Mahabir Jain Niketan hall at Kamalpokhari was packed on December 22 with parents and relatives who had come for the ‘Winter Carnival’. Organised by Shree Jain Shwetamber Terapanth Mahila Mandal, the event comprised of fancy dress and dance competitions for children.

The fancy dress competition was for the age group five to 10. From fairies to gods, simple Nepali village girl to Colgate toothpaste, the children dressed to perfection brought a wide variety of personalities to the stage. Some of them even did cute little acts, which aroused laughter among the audience.

Gil Bothra, who had introduced himself in the loudest voice as a tantric, walked away with the first prize in the competition. Bhumika Jain, who was dressed up as a tribal man, and Shreyansh Sethia, as a Santa Claus, bagged the second and the third prizes, respectively.

Meanwhile, the dance competition was for participants of age 15 and above. All the 22 of them performed a solo dance. The winner of the first category — age group 10 to 14 — was Jyoti Lalwani. Bishwant Chhajer stood second while the third position was a tie between Reya Bothra and Yashyaswee.

As for the second category — age group 15 to 22 — the top three were Ruplata Sethia, Priyanka Bogalia and Ritu Vasna. Organised for charity, the event was judged by director Pradeep Upadhya, actor Bhuwan KC and Gauri Malla. — HNS