Symbolic Beginning to Konkani Cultural Fest with 'Matov Bhorche'

Report: Florine Roche
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 23: In the true traditions of Konkani culture the ceremony 'matov bhorche' (filling the pandal) as a start up for the 25-day maha-cultural fiesta which is to begin from Thursday November 25, was held at Kalangaann by placing the “Gumat”, the oldest folk instrument of the Konkani people, in the hands of the statue representing the common Konkani man.

Chairman of the reception committee Ronald Colaco and president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Narayani Kharvi placed the “Gumat” in the arms of the statue and gave a symbolic start to the first world Konkani Cultural Festival.

Mandd Sonhann Gurkar Eric Ozario gave a formal vovlik (invite) to the Konkani people to extend their whole-hearted support to the mega cultural event, which is aimed at showcasing to the world the richness of Konkani culture and heritage. He called upon the Konkani speaking people to make a success of the cultural convention.

“This is your programme and it is in your hands to make a success of this cultural fest. Though the promised financial help from many quarters has not come due to latest political developments in Maharashtra and Karnataka, we are going ahead with our programmes as per the original plans,” he said.

Chairman of the reception committee of the Konkani Cultural Convention Ronald Colaco stated that to support the cause of Konkani one need not be a Konkani fanatic. “We need to have our own roots and Konkani is our basis, our identity. It is because of this identity we can live in dignity,” he stated. He pointed out that in Gulf countries the Konkanis are able to gather a sizeable crowd for any kind of Konkani programme. Mangalore being the native of majority of Konkani speaking people, should have been able to gather a bigger number of people to partake in events of this nature, he said.

Calling upon the Konkani people to contribute to the cause of Konkani in their own little way Colaco said that people get only one opportunity in their lifetime, and they should make the best of it. “The Kalaangann is the wealth of the Konkani community and it is for our society and for our future generation. Mandd Sobhann has worked hard to come up with a huge programme of this kind and we have to render whatever help we can to help their cause. We should not keep people who work for art and culture on tenterhooks by not providing the required financial help," he said.

Giving the example of Konkan Kogul late Wilfy Rebimbus he stated that Wilfy had to struggle hard to make a normal living though he worked for the cause of Konkani as his mission and made it his career. “People who work ceaselessly for the cause of Konkani should be given their due,” Ronald Colaco said.

President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Narayana Kharvi extended all possible help from the Academy including financial help and moral support for the Cultural Convention. He remarked that Konkani Niranthari through which Mandd Sobhann took Konkani to the global stage by creating Guinness world record, manifests the commitment, dedication and perseverance of Mandd Sobhann in its endeavour to take Konkani to greater heights.

Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario thanked the members of the organizing committee who have been working relentlessly in preparation of the mega event, the well-wishers and supporters, for their invaluable support and cooperation.

Earlier Titus Noronha invoked the blessings of the almighty for the Cultural Convention.

Mandd Sobhann president Louis Pinto, Rony Crasta, Arun Raj Rodrigues and Stany Alvares were present on the dais.

The Ozario couple sang Konkani songs much to the delight of Konkani speaking people and Naach Sobhann group presented dance numbers to provide the entertainment factor.