Goenchim Noketram Recreates Goan Splendour in Doha
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Nov 25: The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) celebrated the World Goa Day on Friday November 23 at the Al Ghazal Club Hall (QP), Doha, amidst a splendid Goan atmophere created by the well-known cultural group ‘Goenchim Noketram’ specially flown in from Goa.
Goenchim Noketram, a 15-member cultural troupe led by Marianela Gina Mascarenhas Dias, with 23 international and 14 national performances to their credit, opened the program with the popular ‘Dekhni’ a folk song and dance, a beautiful blending of Indian melody and Goan folk rhythm.
Bringing back memories of the bygone era, Goenchim Noketram then performed the ‘Fugdi Dance’ synchronizing rhythmically to the beat of coconut shells. The group that has toured Europe, America and Australia as cultural ambassadors of India also put up a beautiful acts and opera depicting the traditions and culture of early Goan lifestyle. Among the other presentations were Kunbi Tribal Dance, Portuguese Dance, Kharvi Dance and a Gaudi comedy act cum song. A medley of Konkani, Portuguese and Hindi songs with colorful costumes almost got everyone in the audience to their dancing feet. Every act, song and dance was complemented by the costumes related to that particular culture and style of yesteryears, thereby making the presentation even more colorful and rich.
Goenchim Noketram, having won many awards at Mando festivals, concluded their performance with a Mando - a traditional Goan love song representing the meeting point of Indian and Western traditions. Local artistes Peter Camilo, Janice Fernandes, Stella Fernandes, Camillo Colaco, Vincy D’Costa, Anthony Rodrigues, Peppy Pereira, Sanchia Fernandes and John De Sa with their well presented songs with music by Agnelo Rodrigues rendered valuable support to the event. Lavina D’Souza, councilor of Marmagoa Municipal council and past winner of Kala Academy awards, who was on visit to Qatar also obliged the organisers with two beautiful songs.
Luizinho Faleiro, ex-CM of Goa and member of Congress working committee was specially in Qatar for the occasion as the chief guest of the day. Sanjiv Arora, Indian Ambassador to Qatar was the guest of honour and Tony Botelho, managing director of Goa Petcoke Consultancy Services was the special guest. The guests in their short address during the interval appreciated the efforts of GWA in organizing this event that provided a ‘little Goa to Goans in Qatar’ and assured all assistance to GWA in such endeavors. Simon D’Silva, president of GWA acknowledged the presence of these guests and thanked them for their presence and assistance to the World Goa Day.
G R Crasto, editor of Bahrain Goans e-newsletter Xit-Koddi, left his mark on the show with his class compering, giving short descriptions on the cultural and traditional performances of the event. The crowd enjoyed every moment of the show, which could be gauged from the thunderous applause the group gained for every act, song and dance. 'This is a show that will be remembered for long' said a family as they walked out of the hall at the end of the programme. Goenchim Noketram, sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, left for UAE the next day, where they are scheduled to perform for the national day of UAE
Qatar Airways was the offical carrier, Radisun Blu the offical hotel and Daijiworld.com the official media partner of the event.