Media Release

Bengaluru, Jun 27: The Catholic Club, Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) and Karnataka Goan Association (KGA) jointly held a gala noon-to-moon event, Mango Showers, on June 18 at the Catholic Club here.

Roman Catholics from Goa migrated to Mangaluru in three major waves, in around 1560, 1570, and the third in about 1683. The first wave of migrants left due to the Goan Inquisition that made the use of Konkani, a punishable offence for converts to Western Christianity. The second and third waves left Goa because of famines, epidemics, and political upheavals such as the sackings of Goa and Bombay-Bassein. Therefore, in essence, both communities have common origins and are a natural fit when it comes to collaboration.

At Mango Showers, both Mangalureans and Goans relived their common ancestry. The first event was held in 1992 between the 2 associations headed by the then presidents FTR Colaco and Ian Faria. After the last event held in 2012, both the associations have come together once again to revive this event with increased passion.

Seven past presidents of KCA and 9 past presidents of KGA in attendance with their families and about 1500 members and their guests.

The Goan dance band Silver Linings, consisting of Tammy, Roy and Gavin kick-started the noon session with their foot-tapping melodies. Route 96, the mega band from Mangaluru took over the evening session with numbers that had the dance floor packed! Bespoke Reggae numbers from the Goan band Rise Nation, and DJ mixes from DJ Neil Hoskins ensured nonstop entertainment. The intermittent showers did not faze the dancing revellers and added to the promise in the events name Mango Showers.

The evening was inaugurated by presidents of the KCA (Adrian D’souza), KGA (Ian Faria), and Catholic Club (Ricky Patel) reiterating the collaborative spirit that brings together the communities in food, music and cultural unity.

The highlight of the evening was the cultural presentations put together by members of KCA and KGA. The youth and members of the KCA and Catholic Club presented a dazzling inter-generational ethnic fashion show elegantly choreographed by Alisha Peres much to the rambunctious applause of all present.

Then, to the wild cheers of the attendees, the KGA youth performed a vibrant cultural dance choreographed by Gilmour Fernandes, to the popular ‘Maria Pitache’ and the traditional ‘Undra Mojea Mama’.

Food being an integral part of Mangalurean and Goan culture, the food court was replete with traditional dishes from The Mangalorean Restaurant, Goan food stall and the Catholic Club.

KGA member Jonathan Smith was thanked for emceeing the event and the sponsors were also thanked for exciting spot prizes that kept the guests on their toes.

The immensely successful Mango Showers was brilliantly organized with the help of committee members of CC, KCA and KGA prominently in attendance from ticketing to floor attendance and guest assistance and received much appreciation and praise from guests young and old.