Media Release
Dublin, Dec 19: The Konkans in Ireland Group (KIG) hosted its annual Christmas celebration, Christmas Utsav, on December 13 at St Peregrine’s GAA Club, Dublin.
The programme began with a soulful worship song by Shawn Fernandes, Kian Fernandes and Raizel D’Souza, followed by prayers and a Christmas message on sharing joy, delivered by Fr Suresh. This set the tone for a festive and heartwarming evening.
Guests enjoyed lively carol singing and engaging spot games, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Several talented members of KIG showcased their skills through a range of cultural performances that kept the audience engrossed. Highlights included an entertaining dance by father-daughter duo Ashline Lobo and Arun Lobo, an energetic performance by Chris Tauro and Crystal Tauro, soulful solo renditions by Ava Pinto and Kevin Castelino, and a delightful musical act by another father-daughter pair, Prabhu and Hazel, adding colour and charm to the event.
To recreate an authentic Mangalorean Christmas ambience, the organising committee sourced traditional items rarely available in Ireland, including Kori Rotti, Mangalore plum cake and Wilfy Rebimbus’s song pendrive. These were auctioned by Ivan Dantis, generating excitement and enthusiastic participation among attendees.
Adding a sweet touch to the celebration was a kuswar sale, prepared by Maria and Arun Lobo. The festive delicacies were well received and sold out quickly.
A beautifully decorated Christmas grotto provided families an opportunity to capture memorable photographs with Santa Claus. Enhancing the festive spirit, guest singer Brinda Irani presented a captivating live performance of Christmas classics, which received warm appreciation from the audience.
One of the major highlights of the evening was a 25-minute choreographed dance mashup featuring children, teenagers and adults, bringing together around 40 participants in a vibrant performance. Arathi Noronha led the planning and execution of this large-scale presentation.
Adding humour to the programme was a Konkani skit performed by Stephen Kishor D’Souza, Sylvia Mathias, Stephen Rego, Veeta Rego and Ashil D’Souza. Led by Stephen, the ensemble evoked laughter and applause, thoroughly entertaining the audience. As the Konkani saying goes, lokak hasun hasun potanth dookh utli. Behind the scenes, Alan D’Souza managed sound and technical arrangements, ensuring smooth proceedings.
The cultural programme concluded on a high note with a live band performance — a first for KIG — featuring songs in five languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, Tulu and Konkani baila. The segment was conceptualised and led by Arathi Noronha, with support from Anil D’Souza, and drew many attendees to the dance floor. The band comprised Shawn Fernandes on guitar, Manuel D’Mello and Kian Fernandes on keyboard, Rishon D’Souza on drums, and Philip on cajon and guitar. Vocals were rendered by Arathi Noronha, Anil D’Souza, Antony D’Souza and Melville D’Silva.
Spot games and competitions held throughout the evening kept the energy high. Children participated enthusiastically in card-making and star-making contests, with over 20 creative entries on display. Zack D’Souza and Orville Mathias won the card-making competition, while Raizel D’Souza and Kevin Castelino emerged winners of the star-making contest.
Following a sumptuous dinner, guests enjoyed housie-housie, raffles with gift hampers, and the traditional baila dance, bringing the celebrations to a joyful close.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Antony D’Souza, acknowledging the collective efforts that contributed to the success of the event.
The celebration was organised by the Christmas Committee comprising Antony and Rupa D’Souza, Ivan Dantis and Amitha Sanctis, with support from Vijay Bennis and Deepthi Fernandes. Monica Mathias handled photography and videography, while the programme was compered by Dancita, ensuring smooth flow and audience engagement throughout.
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