Muscat: Ghala Mangaloreans celebrate fun-filled 'Open Day'
Pics by Dilip Correa
Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Report by Antony D’Cunha Permude
Muscat, May 15: Traditional items on display with a look of model native village in an ambience that was conducive to recall ones childhood memories - the Mangalorean community of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, with 'Konkani' as their common identity gathered at the Parish Hall on Saturday, May 11 to celebrate 'Open Day 2013'.
While registration was on, breakfast was served to the audience. Nirmala Goveas, in her inimitable style with melodious poetry in Konkani, took the centre stage to conduct the programme and welcomed the parish priest Fr Albert DiSilva OFM Cap, together with new executive committee for the term 2013, 2015 namely Michael Goveas, president, Edward Mendonca, vice president, Helen Sequeira, spiritual secretary, Glenda Castelino, cultural secretary, Rony Lobo, public relations officer and Robert Saldanha, treasurer, to the dais in a procession. The advisory committee members include John Gonsalves, Jawahar Pinto, Molly Pinto Lavina D’sa and Philomena Mendonca.
Fr Albert, in his intercessory prayer, sought God’s blessings on the gathering. The little star performer of the community, Lizzy Barboza, beautifully presented the welcome dance with her tiny steps and set the mood for community celebration. In keeping with native tradition, the parish priest and executive committee lit the frankincense. Michael Goveas, in his address to the gathering appreciated the efforts by the past committee, and sought wholehearted support from the community for the new term.
John Gonsalves, past parish council member, was honoured with memento by the parish priest on behalf of the community for his relentless services to the Parish during the past term including Silver Jubilee celebrations. Fr Albert D’Silva, in his address urged for extra-ordinary support from the community. He gave call for the entire community to come closer to shoulder more responsibilities to strengthen the Parish.
The dance sequence put up by the teenagers - Priyanka Mendonca, Richelle, Michelle, Rebecca, Shavina and Rochelle, in full of energy and talents set the stage on fire. The dance was choreographed by Priyanka Mendonca.
Peter Fernandes, Ghantalkatte, and Lawrence, with their comedy skit tickled the funny bones of audience and won the hearts and minds of fun lovers. Peter - an actor par excellence, he gets fully engrossed into his role in required diction, body language and fitting voice quality to suit any character. All that he needs is an equally good support from his co-actors.
The second part of the programme was more of an interactive initiative to develop close ties among the members and strengthen the community. The whole crowd was divided into four groups based on the colour of ribbon each one is wearing, depicting various wards of each parish back home. Valerian Crasta, played the role of Village Head, while Peter Fernandes, Jacintha, Aslita and Linyl Castelino, played the roles of respective ward heads (Gurkars/Gurkarns).
The village joint “Gasparamache Hotel” known for its “Chai” and local news with Lloyd Sequeira as “Gasparam” and Gracy Barboza as “Paulinami” was a point of attraction. Traditional items on display “K’andi”, “Chembu”, “Kurpon”, “Dhali”, “Mand”, “Kundleh”, “Dhoy”, “Nivney”, “Modki”, “Kanne”, “Tondor”, “Tuvalho”, etc. gave a flash back of olden days.
The marriage traditions such as “Soirik”, “Ros” and “Kajar” ceremony including “Gurvarik dadcheh” ritual, etc., enacted by the groups was a special cultural treat for the younger generation.
Allen, led the prayer before the meal and Michael Goveas together with Gurkars and Gurkarns extended the traditional “Jevnak Udak Aileh” call inviting one and all to partake in the community meal. DJ Michael of Bright Projects, entertained the young crowd with his latest beats and tracks. The singers entertained the gathering with Songs, etc., during lunch break and the young crowd danced to the tunes. Melina Goveas, with her fine steps, expression and body language, gave good dance performance and impressed the crowd.
There were many types of fun games and prizes suiting to all age groups. Housie, Housie was conducted by Edward Mendonca and group. While lucky few won the prizes, the rest sportingly cheered the winners. Glenda Castelino and Joylin Gonsalves, assisted Nirmala Goveas, throughout the show.
Catering was done by community’s well known couple - Henry and Gracy Castelino. As always, the Light and sound system was set by the Parish Techno Service Ministry led by Bosco D'Souza and the stage was set/decorated by Arif Gill.