Kuwait: Shirva Parishioners (SWAK) Celebrate Annual Fest
 
Report by Wilson& Priya Saldanha Shirthady/Kuwait. 
Pics by Paul Aranha Shirva/ Kuwait

Kuwait, Feb 7: Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) under the presidentship of Urban D'Souza celebrated its patron's feast (Vhodlem Fest) at Indian Central School Auditorium on Friday February 6 from 5.00 pm onwards. The celebration commenced with a thanksgiving mass at 8.00 am at the Holy Cathedral Church in the morning.

The programme commenced with Nitin Castelino introducing Roshan D'Silva, compere of the programme, welcoming the members and the guests followed by a prayer led by Agnes Barboza invoking blessings from God. The committee members joined in for a welcome song for which the music was rendered by Adrian Gomes of Shirva parish who is popularly known as A R Rehman of Konkani. President of SWAK – Urban D'Souza officially welcomed all the guests and thanked all the members for their support. Anil Menezes read out the annual report highlighting the achievements of SWAK. 

Audience enjoyed mind-blowing songs sung by "Gulf Voice of Mangalore" fame Vinay Lewis, Kris D'Souza and Ralph Serrao to the tunes of Adrian Gomes music. Foot-tapping dances were performed by Anusha, Inish, Irel, Swallin, Carol, Calita, Natan, Ashrel, Sweedal, and Marissa. Music Maestro Adrian Gomes' children Alister and Alston mesmerized the audience by their musical performance.  Rib-tickling jokes were enacted by Anil, Renny, Agnel Saldanha and group.  Magic show was performed by Myron Menezes and Philip Dolphy Machado.

During the felicitation session, Fr Melwyn D'Cunha was the chief guest who also delivered festal message.  All the committee members along with Fr Melwyn cut the cake to symbolically inaugurate the feast.  Outstanding and merit students were honoured by Fr Melwyn.  The sponsors, outstanding members and media personnel were also honoured during the occasion for their contribution towards SWAK.  Pascal Pinto, Vinay Lewis and Leena Martis were honoured for their contribution and achievements.

Various spot games were conducted for all the age groups. A lot of spot prizes were given during dance sessions.  Lucky dip draw and Housie-Housie were conducted to keep the excitement alive.  Lucky member and highest lucky dip seller were honoured with prizes.  Gretta D'Souza proposed the vote of thanks while Leena Martis invoked grace before the meal.

The well-conducted programme came to an end with masala dance session and grand buffet dinner by Royal Plaza catering which is a joint venture of Spinn confectionery and Cannes Pastries. The programme was well-compered by Roshan D'Silva.

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