Joe Andrade, Bahrain
Daijiworld Media Network – Bahrain
Bahrain, Jun 2: A grand Konkani cultural extravaganza, titled ‘DABAZO-2024’ and featuring the 111th “Melwyn Peris Nite,” was organized by the Konkani Community in Bahrain. The event, led by spiritual director Fr Darel Fernandes and Convenor Mr. Nelson Menezes, began at 7:45 pm on May 30, 2024, at the Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium, Sacred Heart Catholic Church premises.
The evening commenced with the classic Dabazo instrumental theme song, performed by Melwyn Peris, Anita D’Souza, Ashwin D’Costa, and Sonal Monteiro, accompanied by the Dabazo-24 band, specially flown in from Mangaluru. The performance was met with jubilant applause and whistles from a packed audience.
Annette Bennies and Fr Darel Fernandes, assistant parish priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bahrain and the spiritual director of the Konkani Community, welcomed the audience. What followed was an evening of non-stop music, comedy skits, and dances performed by community members and their children.
Ronald Oliveira skillfully anchored the event, introducing star singers Melwyn Peris, Anita D’Souza, Ashwin D’Costa, and Sonal Monteiro, who performed timeless songs from Melwyn Peris’s albums, evoking fond memories for the audience.
Some of the songs performed included “Sanjechea Vellar,” “Chondrem Udela Mollbar,” “Tum Mojea Monanth,” “Lungi Dance,” “Vell Dhavnta,” “Soro Sod,” “Jivith Monshyachehm,” “Dholle,” “Nachpianchi Pisai,” “Mogachim Lharam,” “Nisha,” and “Mogh Kora.”
A children’s dance, “Jai Bharatha,” choreographed by Preetham, was performed by the children of Konkani Community members, with assistance from Layola Martis.
Three couples danced to “Lungi Dance,” performed by veteran singers Melwyn Peris and Anitha D’Souza. The little kids’ dance to “Nachpiancho Pisai,” sung by Ashwin D’Costa and Sonal Monteiro, was choreographed to perfection by Eunice D’Souza.
The highlight of the evening was a scintillating Tulu dance item, “Kempu Board,” performed by the Seniors Group, Konkan Tara members, who took to the stage in vintage costumes, bringing joy and laughter to the audience. This dance sequence was choreographed by Suzan Sequeira.
Two short comical skits, written and directed by Sujay Pinto, were performed during the song interludes, adding humor and entertainment to the evening.
Members of the Konkani Community who contributed generously to the success of Dabazo-2024 were felicitated with mementos by Fr. Darel Fernandes and the Core Committee members. Their support was crucial in keeping the Konkani culture and tradition alive.
In a unique gesture, the Bahrain Konkani Community honored Melwyn Peris with the “Fearless Peris” title, presenting a citation, draping a shawl, and offering a basket of fruits. Two young members of the audience crowned him on a golden chair. Singers Ashwin D’Costa, Anita D’Souza, and Sonal Monteiro were also honored, along with band members Roshan D’Souza and Stephen Frank. Local musicians Prinson Machado and Arnold Fernandes added their expertise on the keyboard and guitar.
Mysore Bhavan catered Mangalorean delicacies, ensuring no one went home hungry. Sounds, lighting, and pyrotechnics were contributed by Alfred Rodrigues. Ruben D’Souza and Roshan D’Souza captured the evening’s highlights on film.
A raffle draw with attractive prizes and gift hampers was held, concluding the musical euphoria with typical Konkani “Baila numbers,” inspiring the audience to dance in front of the stage.
The event was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant Konkani culture and the dedication of the community members in Bahrain.