Media Release
Melbourne, Dec 5: The words "Christmas" and "Kuswar" go hand in hand, evoking memories of family and community gatherings to prepare festive treats during the yuletide season. To rekindle these cherished traditions, Karaval Konkans Australia (KKA) organized a unique workshop, Mai So Kuswar, on November 23 in Melbourne, Australia.
The one-day workshop, offered free of charge, aimed to bring together children and adults to relive nostalgic memories, learn new recipes, prepare Kuswar collectively, and foster bonds of love and care.
The event began with a prayer led by spiritual director Fr Jacob Alvares. The chief guest, Mira D’Silva, an entrepreneur and the first Mangalorean Catholic to venture into Australian politics, inaugurated the workshop by kneading the first dough with flour and coconut milk. Mira, a passionate advocate for the Konkani language and community, symbolically began the event by handing over the first chef's apron to Celine D’Souza, affectionately known as Celly Bai or Celly Aunty, under whose guidance the workshop was conducted.
A traditional homemade breakfast of golibajje and chutney kicked off the day, delighting attendees. The morning sessions focused on teaching attendees how to prepare traditional Kuswar items like gulio, kidyo, newryo, and chaklis. Even children as young as three participated enthusiastically in making these festive sweets. Despite the warm weather, a continuous supply of binda and limbo sharbat kept everyone refreshed.
A simple, home-cooked lunch was served, with attendees returning for additional helpings. In the afternoon, participants continued preparing Kuswar, while others fried the sweets. The event’s success was evident in the over 100 attendees, many of whom stayed for the entire day despite other commitments.
The workshop served as a precursor to Ek Nathlaanchi Saanz, scheduled for December 15, during which Kuswar prepared at the workshop will be distributed to families as a gesture of love, sharing, and togetherness.
Parents and children expressed their joy and appreciation for the event. While children enjoyed the hands-on experience of making sweets, parents commended the KKA committee for instilling a love for Konkani language, culture, and traditions in younger generations, even amidst assimilation into Australian culture.
The event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, well-wishers, and behind-the-scenes contributors. The KKA committee expressed gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and supporters for making the event a resounding success.
Karaval Konkans Australia is dedicated to preserving Konkani language and traditions for future generations. The organization charges no membership fees, instead encouraging people to connect with its mission of nurturing and enriching the love for Konkani language, culture, and heritage.