Konkani community of Kuwait witnessed a colorful and memorable cultural fest at the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) Konkani Diwas on Friday, 23rd January in Indian Community School Kuwait, Khaitan. The daylong event witnessed rich and vibrant culture & traditions of Mangalore and Goa, Game Stalls, Food stalls and non-stop variety entertainment program by kids, Roce Sambhram, Kazar, comedy skit, Mando singing, dance and Konkani songs by Mangalorean and Goan Association. Over 300 participants showcased their talents and around 1000 people attended the event. Authentic Mangalorean homemade food items like potrade, seviyo, sanna, panpole, sweet mutli, chicken sukka, kori-rotti, mutton curry, Kundapur chicken, mutton green curry, beef sukka, golibaje, buns, chone tendly, galbechi chetni, vorn, charmuri, falooda, tamde gule, acroot, festachi mithai and many more relished by people, offering them the taste of hometown.
The day began at 1:00 noon with an introduction to the vodle fest by compère Deepak Andrade, who warmly welcomed the gathering. Sharon Gonsalves recited the opening prayer, followed by Gloria D’Souza singing a hymn during the blessings of stall counters. Fr. Avil Rosario, Spiritual Animator of KCWA, inaugurated the fest by cutting the ribbon at the exhibition counter and blessing the game and food stalls, thereby declaring the event open to all.
In the evening, the stage program commenced with an introduction to Konkani culture and traditions by event compères Sharon Gonsalves and Gloria D’Souza. This was followed by the prayer hymn “Namo Namo Sarveshwara” rendered by the Managing Committee members. President Prakash Pinto then welcomed the guests and audience to the much-awaited Konkani cultural fest.
President Prakash Pinto, Vice President Arun Jossy Dsouza and General secretary Reena Pereira escorted KCWA Ex-Spiritual Director Rev. Fr. Melwin Dcunha to the stage, where he delivered a message appreciating the commendable work carried out by KCWA.
The program was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial mounting of the Konkani flag, which was respectfully presented by the committee members, marking the auspicious beginning of the event.
The children of the AKFK Abbasiya Choir Group melodiously rendered Baal Gitam Bho’nddar Konkani songs from Mandd Sobhann, delighting the audience with their soulful performance. The choir was diligently trained by Anil Tauro and Savita Tauro, whose guidance was evident in the children’s confident and harmonious rendition.
The Christmas Hamper initiative provided an opportunity for everyone to partake in the joy of Christmas, as members generously shared their love and support towards KCWA’s mission. The highest hamper sales were achieved by Prakash Gonsalves, Arun Jossy D’Souza, and Prakash Pinto, who were felicitated with appreciation awards in recognition of their dedicated efforts. The hamper draw was led and efficiently coordinated by Roystun D’Souza and Naveen Mascarenhas, in the presence of Sponsor Precilla Pereira, President Prakash Pinto, and Past Presidents Stevan Rego and Albert Praveen D’Souza on stage.
The Winners of the hampers are as follows:
Congratulations to all the winners!
A unique dance performance themed “Konkani Bhas” was presented by the team ಕೊಂಕ್ಣಿ ಲಾರಾಂ, beautifully showcasing Mangalore’s traditional costume and cultural heritage. The captivating performance enthralled the audience with its creativity and cultural depth. The concept and direction were led by Raina D’Mello, while the choreography was expertly executed by Mrs. Mitanshi Saish Dance Academy.
Goan brothers and sisters enthusiastically participated in the KCWA event, beautifully showcasing Goan culture and tradition through their captivating performance of the Goan Mando, “Florinhas De Goa.” The presentation featured traditional Goan folk forms such as Mando, Dulpod, and Mhárça, reflecting the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Goa. This remarkable performance was coordinated by the talented Xavier Lobo.
Traditional Voviyo and verse singing were beautifully presented by Team Amchi Karavali, under the coordination of Lavitha Alvares and Sylvia Pinto. The soulful performance was warmly received and well appreciated by the gathering.
The KCWA MaiBhas Class students presented a melodious Konkani song, having been trained by Shanthi Fernandes and Maria Rinna Dsouza. They beautifully rendered the Aksharamale song composed by their former class teacher, Gladys Noronha, which was warmly appreciated by the audience. Certificates were also distributed to the students by Shanthi Fernandes in recognition of their excellent performance in class and their regular attendance.
Team ಗೀತ್ ಸಂಗೀತ್ delivered a soulful singing performance featuring songs from Mandd Sobhann, with lyrics by the late Cha Fra D’Costa and tunes composed by the late Eric Ozario. The performance was skillfully coordinated by KCWA Cultural Secretary Anil Pais and was warmly appreciated by the audience.
The Konkani comedy skit ‘ಕಾರ್ಬಾರಿ ಫೆಲಿಸ್’ by Team Gammath Kalakar Kuwait, directed and coordinated by Johnson D Almeida, was thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees.
The Infant Jesus Kids Choir, Salmiya, delighted everyone with their singing KONKANNI AMCHI BHO’RO’M’CHI BHAS. The performance was coordinated by Allen Pinto and Aaron D’Souza.
In his message, Spiritual Animator Fr. Avil Rosario appreciated KCWA for its unwavering efforts to preserve and promote the Konkani language through such vibrant cultural events and extended his best wishes for the organization’s continued success.
To encourage KCWA’s membership, Membership Affairs Coordinator Tressy Cutinho conducted a membership draw. This was held for all active members of 2026 including Honorary, Patron and Life members. Ms. Roselle Dsouza, membership#2929 emerged as a Lucky winner. The event included a Housie draw, which kept the audience actively engaged.
It was an honor to have Fr. Darel Fernandes Parish Priest of Our Lady of Arabia Minor Basilica, Ahmadi, grace the event. He also delivered a message urging everyone to preserve the Konkani language for generations to come, just as the Hebrew language was preserved and revived by its people.
The mime musical ‘Kani Nai Jini’ by Jolly Friends Kala Pangad showcased a fresh and innovative concept, illustrating the life cycle through expressive mime. The performers’ precision, timing, and emotional depth created a truly captivating experience, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. The performance demonstrated exceptional creativity, masterful storytelling without words, and a profound connection with the viewers. This remarkable show was executed and coordinated by Linette D’Souza.
This was followed by a dance performance by the Sparkling Stars Dance Group kids. The choreography, by Rita Pinto, featured a large number of enthusiastic participants, captivating the audience and delighting everyone present.
The event also featured traditional performances that took the audience on a nostalgic journey. The ‘Roce Sambhram’ by the Abbasiya Konkani community, coordinated by Lavina Furtado, the ‘Kazar’ by the Ahmadi team, coordinated by Prashanth Ferrao, and ‘Burgyak Palnyanth Dovorche’ by the Salmiya team, led by Joyce D’Souza, were a treat to watch and beautifully transported the audience back to their cherished memories of home.
The event coordinator, Arun Jossy Dsouza, proposed the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the KCWA Managing Committee, support committee members, and volunteers. Special thanks to Mr. Alban Dsouza for capturing the entire event with his photography and videography skills, ably supported by Arwin Rodrigues and Rakesh Pereira. Appreciation also goes to Roshan Rodrigues for managing the sound systems, Anand Dsouza for sound and lighting, China Metro Restaurant and Phoenix Confectionary for the food stalls, and to all the sponsors of food items.
The special attraction of the evening was the Kombo, which was won by roll#13. The Baila dance provided a beautiful conclusion to the day-long fete, which featured popular Mangalorean dishes, numerous game stalls, and displays showcasing traditional items.
KCWA wishes to thank the management of ICSK Khaitan for providing the auditorium and all those who supported in making this event a grand success. Konkani speaking community of Kuwait will remember this day for years to come.
The entire event was successfully coordinated by Arun Jossy Dsouza, Reena Pereira, Anil Pais, Johnson Almeida, Kevin Dsouza, Veena Serrao and well supported by rest of the Managing Committee.
The day-long program concluded at 10:00 p.m. with the Laudate, thanking God for the pleasant weather and the smooth and successful completion of the event.
