Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 24: The Konkani Natak Sabha (KNS), Mangaluru, successfully organised the 3rd Gumta Gayan competition on Sunday, August 23, at the historic Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru, bringing together eight talented teams from the Mangaluru and Udupi dioceses for an evening filled with tradition and Konkani cultural pride.
The competition, which has grown steadily since its inception, was organised with the objective of preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Konkani tradition and ensuring that the art of Gumta Gayan continues to flourish among the younger generation.
The melodious beats of the Gumot, combined with powerful voices and vibrant performances, transformed the historic Don Bosco Hall into a celebration of Konkani tradition.
A traditional beginning
The programme commenced with the soulful rendition of the KNS anthem, setting the tone for the evening. KNS president Rev Fr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap welcomed the gathering and encouraged all the participating teams to perform with confidence and enthusiasm, extending his best wishes to all the contestants.
This was followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp in the presence of Rev Fr Rocky D'Cunha OFM Cap, KNS vice president Floyd D'Mello Cascia, and chief guest Marcel Mathew D'Souza, popularly known by his pen name Machcha Milaar, a well-known Konkani writer, activist and orator.
Also present on the dais were KNS general secretary Pamela Santos, assistant secretary Jerome Moras, treasurer Ivan D'Silva, competition conveners Cletus Lobo and Beena Elizabeth D'Costa, along with the distinguished panel of judges.
'I never miss a Gumta Gayan programme' – Machcha Milaar
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Machcha Milaar expressed his deep admiration for Gumta Gayan and shared his personal connection with the traditional art form.
He said that he is a great admirer of Gumta songs and never misses an opportunity to attend a Gumta Gayan competition. He added that whenever he is involved in organising programmes, he encourages the organisers to include a Gumta Gayan performance.
Appreciating the efforts of Konkani Natak Sabha in introducing the Gumta Gayan competition in 2024, he noted that the initiative has now reached its third edition, reflecting the growing interest in this traditional art form.
He encouraged KNS to continue the competition in the coming years and expressed hope that more artists, particularly children and youngsters, would participate, ensuring that the rich tradition of Gumta Gayan remains alive for generations to come.
The beats of the Gumot officially begin the competition
Adding a unique traditional touch to the inauguration, the dignitaries and guests on the dais symbolically struck the Gumot together, officially declaring the competition open.
The moment created great excitement among the participants and audience, marking the beginning of an evening dedicated to the rhythm, melody and heritage of Konkani culture.
Distinguished panel of judges
The competition was judged by three experienced personalities with strong connections to the Gumot tradition:
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Joseph Pinto Angelore – A well-known Gumot player, MC, singer and actor.
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Lynette Pereira, Bejai – An accomplished Gumot player and lecturer.
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Ashrin Shanon Vas Cordel – A Gumot player from a family with a strong tradition of Gumot playing and a second engineer officer in the Merchant Navy.
The judges closely assessed the performances and later shared valuable observations, practical suggestions and constructive feedback with the participating teams. Their guidance encouraged the contestants to further improve their presentation, rhythm, coordination and overall performance.
Eight teams compete for honours
A total of eight teams participated in the third edition:
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Rang Tarang, Bidryam – Team 2
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Konkani Sangh, St Aloysius Deemed to be University
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Rang Tarang, Bidryam – Team 1
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Vin & Fly Melodies, Moodbidri
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Prem Moras & Team, Kelarai
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Udupi Che Yuva Taale
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Rang Tarang, Bidryam – Team 3
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Amith Moras & Team, Kelarai
The performances showcased the participants' talent, rhythmic coordination and enthusiasm, while reflecting the beauty of one of Konkani's cherished traditional art forms.
Growing participation, growing hope
In his address, KNS vice president Floyd D'Mello Cascia thanked everyone who contributed to making the competition a memorable one and congratulated all the participating teams.
He particularly appreciated the participation of children between 10 and 15 years of age, describing their involvement as a very positive sign for the future of Gumta Gayan.
Floyd highlighted the encouraging growth in participation over the three editions. The first edition in 2024 had five teams, the second edition in 2025 had six teams, while the 2026 edition saw eight teams take part.
He expressed hope that the competition would continue to grow and attract more young talent in the years ahead.
“The increasing participation of children gives us great hope that the tradition of Konkani Gumta Gayan has a bright future.”
He also announced that the competition will be telecast on Daijiworld Television, episode-wise, every Thursday at 9 pm, giving the participating artists an opportunity to reach a much wider audience.
Dedicated teamwork behind the scenes
The smooth conduct of the competition was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the KNS team and volunteers.
KNS manager Gerald Concessao and KNS staff member Mohini coordinated the programme efficiently, while Ivan D'Silva and Jerome Moras handled the tabulation of scores.
Members of the KNS Urwa unit, KNS ladies unit and the KNS managing committee extended valuable support throughout the event.
The attractive stage decoration was designed by Glanny D'Souza of Bajal unit, while the technical arrangements were efficiently handled by Christopher Mascarenhas of Bendur unit and Deon Joshwin Pinto of Cascia unit.
Smoothly conducted programme
The programme was compered by Celestine Agnes Vaz. Cletus Lobo introduced the judges, while Beena Elizabeth D'Costa announced the results.
The evening concluded on a high note with appreciation for all the participants, organisers, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the competition.
Results – 3rd Gumta Gayan competition
First place: Rang Tarang, Bidryam – Team 3
Second place: Udupi Che Yuva Taale
Third place: Rang Tarang, Bidryam – Team 2
Keeping Konkani culture alive
The third edition of the Gumta Gayan competition once again demonstrated Konkani Natak Sabha's continued commitment to preserving the Konkani language, culture and traditional art forms.
More importantly, the growing involvement of children and young performers has added a new dimension to the initiative. Their participation is a reminder that traditions survive not merely through preservation, but by passing them from one generation to the next.
With every beat of the Gumot and every verse of a traditional song, the legacy of Konkani culture continues to find a new voice.
Upcoming KNS annual competitions at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru
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August 30, 3:30 pm onwards: Konkani skit competition
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September 6, 9:30 am onwards: 58th Konkani elocution competition
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September 13, 9:30 am onwards: 62nd Konkani singing competition – Grand finale
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September 27, 5 pm onwards: 83rd annual day celebration of Konkani Natak Sabha and prize distribution ceremony
Konkani Natak Sabha continues its journey of nurturing talent, celebrating tradition and keeping the spirit of Konkani culture alive.