Canada : Mangalorean Association Presents 'Konkan Karnival - 09'
Media Release by Ronald D'Souza
Canada, Dec 19: It was a fusion of food, sports and culture, a veritable feast of color, vitality and energy and nostalgia of “church held feasts or saanth” from ages ago. The Konkan Karnival organized by the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) recently at Sts. Martha and Mary Parish, Mississauga was a tremendous success. With a participation of over 500 people, the guests enjoyed mouth watering Mangalorean delicacies, apprised themselves about products and services from sponsors and played challenging and fun games.
Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Sr. Ferdinanda and Naveen D’Souza, Gen. Secretary of Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations, Bangalore inaugurated the event with the lighting of the lamp. An inaugural dance choreographed and performed by Alysha Alva set the tone for the all day event. Children, in their melodious voices sang “We are children, children of the light” to pay tribute to the theme of oneness, peace and hope throughout the world. With the abundant blessings bestowed on the event, organizers and participants, the day began with competitions, games, food and sponsor demonstrations.
The Fancy Dress competition was a unique blend of innovation and imagination. From fisherwomen to witches and political figures such as Sonia Gandhi, the children were amazingly versatile and talented. Everyone was a winner by virtue of performing characters that were each unique and versatile. Sidney Pinto, a talented young man performed the Bhangra Blitz with grace and joie de vivre to the utter delight of the audience.
The martial arts demonstration by a group of youngsters ranging from 6 years to 25 years was a stupendous display of power, agility and strength. These gifted youngsters were students of Sons of Thunder Martial Arts and Fitness school. A serene and soothing trumpet recital of Christmas music by Elnathan Brackenridge was a welcome break from the sheer energy pulsating in the hall. An inimitable dance routine to the accompaniment of old and new Bollywood songs, Konkani and Marathi songs choreographed by Joylin D’Souza, Natasha D’Souza and Lloyd Pinto was performed by a group of enthusiastic participants. The dance competition was another anticipated part of the program with individual and group entries. Youngsters swayed gracefully, did elegant maneuvers to some Bollywood music and charmed everyone watching with their hip swinging steps and dances. It was a visual and auditory feast for everyone gathered.
An assault to the senses, the emanating aroma from freshly cooked Mangalorean delicacies had people lined up in serpentine queues by the food vendors. Each stall had distinctive and exclusive menus to tickle the palates of the guests. The food vendors included Mango Mirchi Food Services, Dorothy Rego and Marie Monteiro, Mangi Dhaba by Viyona D'Souza, Cynthia Lewis, Nelli Pereira and Deborah Lewis, Preetha D’Souza, and Leena Rego of Yum Caterers. Some of the mouthwatering dishes on sale were Sorpetel, Pomfret curry, Paya Masala, Vorn, Chicken Sukka, Pathrade, Ash Pumpkin curry with lamb and Chicken 65. Numerous sponsors from a wide spectrum of professional services and products patronized the event.
Each sponsor generously catered to the guests by sharing information, answering questions and encouraging them to use the event as an opportunity to understand and develop awareness of what they provide. The sponsors were: Helton Enterprises, Francis and Clara Rodrigues, Maxim D’Mello, Ronald Mathias, UAE Exchange, Ronald Rego, Reynold Sequeira, Wilson D’Souza, Francis D’Souza, Austin D’Souza, Ravi Fernandes, Aaron Pereira and Century Travels. MAC appreciates the generosity, encouragement and the willing spirit of the food vendors and the sponsors who exceeded expectations with their flexibility and support.
What is a Karnival without games? MAC experimented with new and old ideas and created games to appeal and pique the interest of children and adults. Volunteers used their creativity and imagination to fashion games out of accessible, economical and environmentally friendly material. There were games such as Tailing the Donkey, Ring the Bottle, Water Coin Toss, Can Bonanza, Pyramid Crash and Golf. Many adventurous people tried their skills at winning as many coupons as possible to claim wonderful gifts. Children and adults found the games challenging, lively and fun.
A magic show by veteran magician, Nick kept the children enthralled and deeply interested in the variety of tricks performed. To the tune of “Jingle Bells”, dear old Santa was escorted amidst shouts of joy and wonder by a wagon full of kids, elves and Santa’s helper. Children danced around Santa, fascinated and awe struck by the jolly old man in red and held out their hands for the chocolates and gifts.
The Konkan Karnival, a pioneer event organized by MAC was a genuine and heartfelt gesture on the part of the association to ensure that the community came together in harmony and oneness of spirit. In the spirit of giving and receiving, every single volunteer, participants, competition judges, members and guests dedicated their talents, time, and energy towards making the event a memorable success. MAC appreciates the wholehearted participation of everyone who contributed, in small ways and big, in making the Karnival a day to remember.