Pics by : Jillian D'Mello and Alphonse Mendonsa

Report by Alphonse Mendonsa

Udupi, Feb 3: The dance team of Pangla Parish emerged winners among six dancing troupes participated from the Udupi Diocese held on Sunday Feb 01, 2026. The Diocese level cultural dance competition was organized by ‘Kalaradhan’ a Pangla Parish affiliated cultural organization. Kalaradhan has over the last 8 years of its inception has successfully organized many cultural events such as Drama, Musical Nites, religious short plays etc, for the parishioners.

However, this is the first time they ventured into diocesan level competition and successfully organized Cultural Dance Competition. Since it is the first time only a few Teams enrolled to the competition I,e 7 teams but only six teams finally made it the stage. The Teams participated were from parishes Ajekar, Belman, Kelmbet, Moodubelle, Pangla(Shankerpura) and Shirva Parish.

Earlier the dance competition was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by Pangla parish priest rev Dr Anil Prakash Castelino along with Kalaradhan president Peter Martis, Kalaradhan secretary Melwyn Anand D’Souza, dance/music co-ordinator and member Noel D’Silva, 20 commissions co-ordinator Anitha D’Sousa and bro Shawn Andrade.

Prior to dance performances well known singers from Pangla Parish rendered melodious song namely JiaMendonsa, Ayush Menezes, Siona Mendonsa, Melria Quadras, Glen Quadras and Nikhil Castelino and entertained the audience. They singers were given gifts by the organizers in appreciation.

The dance presentations were begun with Shirva Parish dance troupes followed by five other competitors. All the dancing troupes presented beautiful dances which were enjoyed thoroughly by the audience. Though all the teams performed superbly only three emerged as winners, namely 1st runner up Shirva Parish, 2nd Runner Up Belman Parish and the winner was Pangla Parish.

The dance competitions were judged by prominent choreographers and well known dances and movie stars from Mangalore namely Sonal Caren D’Cruz (Kulshekar), Shaina Chrystel D’Souza (Urwa) and Harshal Prema D’Souza (Vittal).

Kalaradhan team also presented a beautiful dance performance.

Prior to prize distribution ceremony a brief stage program was held wherein the president of the Kalaradhan accorded a hearty welcome to the guests on dais namely Rev Dr Anil Prakash Castelino, parish priest, John Martis (VP Parish Council), Anitha D’Sousa (co-ordinator, 20 commissions), Anil D’Sa (former president Kalaradhan and organizer) and three judges who were present on the dais.All the guests were presented with roses by the president.

Kalaradhan member Flavia Menezes introduced the judges to the audience and highlighted their various achievements as judges for the top dance competitions that were held on Mangalore and Karnataka, their choreographic training to top level Daijiworld stage performances and their involvement in many Konkani films as actors, choreographers and other related fields. The judges were presented with mementos in appreciation by Fr Anil Prakash Castelino.

One of the judge, Shainel Chrystle D’Souza gave some tips on dance performances. She appreciated the efforts put by all the teams but said merely energy and presentation not enough. The presentation should involve body language, smiles and also costumes play a major role in presenting the performances. She also thanked the Kalaradhan for giving the opportunity to judge with beautiful competition.

Speaking on the occasion VP John Martis said, It is very important to give importance to art and culture and thereby providing stage and opportunity for the all talented artists so that their talents can be developed and highlighted.

All the teams participated in the competition were presented with special gifts as token of appreciation.

Fr Anil thanked the judges for coming all the way from Mangalore even though they are busy with numerous activities and training sessions. He also said it was really heartwarming and satisfying to watch the young and old joining hands to presented wonderful dances.

Melwyn D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and said that though it is first time that only six team participated and look forward to more teams in the future. He also said that it was suggestion by fr. Anil Prakash Castelino to organize this type of cultural dance competition and hopefully in future even drama or skit competition will be organized. He thanked all the teams participated and also thanked the judges for their time and efforts in judging the tough competition, He also thanked Noel D'Silva, Anil D’Sa and WalstonD’Sa who were pillars of this event who worked throughout for the success of the competition,

He then read out the names of winning teams. The final declared winners were Belman Parish 2nd Runner Up (Prize money Rs.5999/-), 1st Runner Up Shirva Parish (Prize Money Rs 7999/- and the winners were Pangla Parish (Prize money Rs.9999/-). The prizes were distributed by the president and all the dignitaries on dais.

The entire event was emceed by Kalaradhan member and former president Walston D’Sa.