Media Release

Nottingham (UK), Apr 21: Mangalorean United Konkani Association (MUKA) celebrated Easter on April 16, at Bramcote Memorial Hall in Nottingham, UK. The event was graced by MUKA members along with Mangalureans from various parts of the UK, predominantly from Manchester and London. As many as 250 guests were present.

This auspicious day started off with a Holy Mass, offered by Fr Charles Menezes, who is currently serving at the International Young Catholic Students Movement as the International Chaplain, in Paris, France. He preached an inspiring homily based on the importance of the resurrection of Christ on the theme 'Feel the scent of Resurrection' and how Christians should interpret and live this significant moment witnessing Christ.
 
Deepak Alvares, alongside Lavita Fernandes, were at the heart of leading the harmonic choir, which was supported by Jeevan Menezes, on various percussion instruments. To sustain this support, young members of MUKA Jesvita Menezes, Hailey Fernandes, Averil Alvares and Alrica Sequeira were also present.

Once again, the offertory collection received was donated to the charity Snehalaya, Mangaluru.

Exuberant comperes, Melroy Rasquinha and Lavita Fernandes, extended their warm and hearty welcome to the joyous audience. MUKA president Vincent Dsouza, formally welcomed the esteemed gathering. Followed by this, Fr Charles Menezes, was invited on to the stage along with MUKA vice-president Lydia Lewis, secretary Pius Rasquinha and treasurer Naveen Lobo. Pius Rasquinha informed the audience regarding the CD of Tulu hymns, which was released by Fr Charles Menezes. Subsequently, Fr Charles briefly addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of MUKA in organizing the event successfully.

The cultural programme began with a welcome dance by elegant Junior Girls Of MUKA Jennifer Menezes, Sandrea Lobo, Alrica Sequeira, Erica D’Souza, Meghan D’Souza and Jaelyn Noronha. They danced passionately to the song `Sonthos Pawya’.

The next performance was a very entertaining dance, to Tamil, Hindi and Konkani songs, performed by the Little Stars of MUKA Aiden Menezes, Alroy Sequeira, Ethan Alvares, Aaron Aranha, Freya Fernandes, Sophia Lobo and Daisy D’Souza.

Prior to the start of the next act, MUKA cultural secretary Anitha Sequeira was presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation for her hard work and investment in the talented children of MUKA, in particular, by choreographing their dances.

Followed by this a hilarious skit ‘Futelehn Nashib’ was performed by the lively Pius Rasquinha, Julian Noronha and John Fernandes.

After the skit, Shelwyn Mathias and Neveah Mendonca, danced energetically to ‘chitiyaan kalaiyaan ve’ and ‘break up song’ which was well received by the audience.

To finish off for lunch, Deepak Alvares and Lavita Fernandes sang phenomenally ‘Uzwad Chandremacho’ which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The jovial comperes of the day announced the break for mouth-watering meals. Various traditional Mangalurean dishes were served such as mutton green masala, pork bafat, dal, rice, chanasukka and pickle. To add to this delicious set of Mangalurean dishes, ‘vorn’ was served for dessert. These dishes were prepared by Anitha Alvares, Sunitha D’Souza, Nympha Alvares, Harry D’Souza, Anitha D’Souza, Flossy Fernandes, Lydia Lewis, Anitha Menezes, Irene Rasquinha and Cynthia Noronha.

To start the afternoon session, a lively spectacular dance was performed by Melvia D’Souza and Jessica Aranha to various Bollywood songs, which had the audience on their feet.

Straight after, Vincent D’souza and Lydia Lewis put on a marvellous performance, a skit by the name ‘Doctorachi guspod’.

Deepak Alvares, Anitha Sequeira, Julian Noronha, Cynthia Noronha, Naveen Lobo, Prescilla Lobo, Roopa D’Souza, Nympha Alvares and John Fernandes performed an impressive dance performance to ‘pavsa’ and ‘whistle maar’ that had the audience on their feet cheering and whistling.

‘Mage Vishwasane’ was then sung beautifully by Ancita D’Souza which was admired by all. Not long after this, another Bollywood dance was brilliantly performed to ‘Jai ho’ and ‘Kala chashma’ by Swathi and Nikitha D’Souza.

The final performance of the day, an energetic dance to various bollywood songs, was performed dynamically by Lavita Fernandes, Jesvita Menezes, Hailey Fernandes, Shimona Pinto, Melrina Pereira, Earlyn Lewis and Averil Alvares. It was an incredible performance to conclude the successful cultural programme.

Vice-president of MUKA Lydia Lewis delivered the vote of thanks to all. This was followed by a fun game of Housie-Housie conducted by Edmund D’Souza and Pius Rasquinha.

To round up the day, the traditional Latin hymn ‘Laudate Dominum’ was sung, followed by the traditional Baila dance.

All in all, it was a successful event, which gave the opportunity for Mangalureans to come together on the auspicious day. MUKA would like to thank the generous sponsors of the event.