Report: Maureen J Crasta
Pics: Alen Dias

Houston (USA), Dec 11: Houston Konkan Catholic Association (HKCA), an association to unite Konkani-speaking people living in and around Houston and promote Konkani culture, was launched recently with a Thanksgiving party.

It was a day of fun for the entire HKCA family as a dazzling array of music, dance, food and games unfolded before their eyes.

The day's festivities began with the master of ceremonies, Ronald Crasta, ably supported by youngster Eric Saldanha, extending a warm welcome to the gathering and reinforcing HKCA’s mission to promote Konkan culture. This was followed by a prayer in Konkani led by Lidwin Machado and a Thanksgiving prayer in Konkani led by Valerian Alva.

The guests participated in a short game to introduce themselves and then enjoyed delicious appetizers of samosas, mixed bhajjiya, spring rolls and steaming ginger tea while waiting eagerly for the musical session to begin.

Vidya Carnelio, supported by the talented Michael Moras on the guitar, mesmerized the audience with her melodious rendition of 'Valcha Udkak Mog Daryacho', a song composed by the late MickMax.

The guests then divided into two teams for a friendly duel, singing catchy household Konkani songs like 'Juliana', 'Mog Tuzo Kithlo Ashelom', 'Ye Ye Katrina' and 'Ami Dogi Sezara'.

The curtain then rose on the dance session with a spellbinding performance by Sheryl Machado, Namratha Pinto, Nelopher D'Silva and Lumina Menezes to the pulsating tunes of 'Ghagra', 'Nagada Sang Dhol', 'Kala Chashma' and 'Malhari'. It propelled the audience to their feet, clamoring for an encore.

DJ Chris Pinto and DJ Sean Saldanha set the dance floor on fire with a medley of English and Hindi chartbusters that had the audience line dancing and performing popular Bollywood moves.

It was then time for the highlight of the day which was a sumptuous home-cooked meal lovingly prepared by a few HKCA members. The menu of Cajun Turkey, pork baffat, chicken masala, black channa, dal saar, and vorn was greatly appreciated and relished by every guest.

It was then the turn of Blendon Sequeira to capture hearts with his vocal prowess. His songs 'Roseline' and 'Mogan Asun Bore' filled the audience with nostalgia and got them to sing along.

The last session of the day had everyone playing hilarious games including musical chairs for the kids and Housie Housie. Also, throughout the day, a variety of raffle and spot prizes were given out which added a competitive flavor to the event.

Allen D'Souza, the communications director announced the winning logo for HKCA and introduced the HKCA Creative Team. President Vivian Madtha thanked the audience, sponsors and volunteers for their patronage.

The celebration culminated with an energetic Baila session. It is thanks to meticulous planning, team effort, talented artistes, generous sponsors, and a very appreciative audience that the HKCA event was such a huge success.

Konkan Catholics residing in Houston, USA and interested in joining HKCA may contact communications.director@hkcaus.org for more details.