Media Release
Doha, July 1: "Thousands of miles away from Goa, yet every beat of the ghumat, every splash in the water, and every voice singing in unison proved that the spirit of Goa lives vibrantly in the hearts of Goans in Doha. Through culture, tradition, and togetherness, the Goan Welfare Association continues to keep the soul of Goa alive in Qatar."
The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) proudly hosted its much-awaited Sao Joao Celebration 2026 on Friday, June 26, at Al Rayyan Resort, bringing together not only the Goan community but also friends from diverse cultures and nationalities. The event was a beautiful reflection of Qatar's multicultural harmony, with participants from Punjab, Kerala, Mangaluru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and many other communities joining hands to celebrate one of Goa's most cherished festivals. It was truly a celebration where friendship knew no boundaries and culture united everyone as one family.
The evening commenced with a warm and heartfelt welcome address by Simon D'Silva, president of the Goan Welfare Association. Under his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment, GWA has continued to grow from strength to strength, preserving Goan traditions while fostering unity within the community. He extended a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests, members, sponsors, volunteers, and well-wishers, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. D'Silva praised the efforts of the committee members in organising such an excellent event within a short span of time. GWA has been celebrating Sao Joao in Qatar since 2003, with the first celebration being held at Al Andalus Compound.
The chief guest, Fr Paulraj Devraj, parish priest of Our Lady of Rosary Church, Doha, captivated the audience with the inspiring story of St John the Baptist and the significance of the Feast of Sao Joao. His message reminded everyone of the values of humility, faith, joy, and selfless service that this unique Goan tradition represents.
The guest of honour, Fr Maxim D'Silva, a visiting priest from Mangaluru serving the Konkani-speaking community in Qatar, spoke eloquently about the importance of different communities coming together in harmony, emphasising that celebrations such as these strengthen bonds of friendship, respect, and unity irrespective of nationality or background.
Adding a vibrant splash of colour to the evening was the graceful Dekhni dance, beautifully performed by Cajetan Rodrigues, vice-president of the Goan Welfare Association, in the role of Taria Mama. The performance was choreographed by Seema Rodrigues, who also participated along with Shibika Wankhede, Sangita Dash, Anjana Pramod, Pravina Patel, and Suzatha Velmurugan. Their energetic performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Goa, instantly captivated the audience and set the festive mood for the celebrations that followed.
The entertainment reached another level with the sensational performance by Silver Notes Band, comprising husband-and-wife duo Sanvic and Abigail, the renowned live band specially flown in from Goa. Their electrifying music, soulful Konkani melodies, and lively dance numbers kept the audience on their feet throughout the evening. Every song echoed with nostalgia and celebration, transforming the venue into a little piece of Goa in the heart of Doha.
Keeping the energy soaring were the popular husband-and-wife DJ duo, DJ Flossie and DJ Avon, whose seamless music mix and infectious enthusiasm ensured that the dance floor remained packed until the very end. Their exceptional chemistry behind the console added an extra flavour to the celebration, effortlessly blending classic Goan hits with contemporary favourites and creating an atmosphere of nonstop excitement. Guiding the proceedings with his trademark wit, infectious energy, and impeccable stage presence was Updesh Swar, the master of ceremonies, who was specially flown in from Goa to host the prestigious event.
Guests were treated to an authentic Goan home-cooked feast, lovingly prepared to perfection. From traditional delicacies to local favourites, every dish brought back fond memories of home, and the delicious spread was relished by all.
Adding to the excitement were numerous spot prizes, fun-filled team games, and interactive activities that encouraged participation from guests of all ages. Laughter, friendly competition, and enthusiastic cheering filled the venue as families and friends came together to create unforgettable memories.
The ever-popular special game session kept everyone on the edge of their seats, while the Best Kopel Competition showcased colourful creativity, tradition, and festive spirit, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. The winners of the Best Kopel Competition were Master Elijah Noronha and 11-month-old Baby Eliora Rebelo.
The undisputed highlight of the celebration was the spectacular traditional Sao Joao Pool Jump, meticulously organised by the Goan Welfare Association. Amid thunderous cheers, participants wearing colourful kopels jumped into the pool to retrieve traditional gifts and fruits, recreating one of Goa's most iconic customs. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd erupted with excitement. For many participants, especially those experiencing the tradition for the very first time, it became a once-in-a-lifetime memory that perfectly captured the true essence of Sao Joao.
As a token of appreciation, every guest received a delightful perfume memento, ensuring that everyone carried home not just wonderful memories but also a small keepsake of the celebration. The excitement continued with a Lucky Dip Draw, where two fortunate ticket holders walked away with attractive prizes, adding yet another joyful surprise to an already memorable evening.
The celebrations concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mansingh Rane, chairman of the Goan Welfare Association, who expressed sincere gratitude to the clergy, sponsors, volunteers, performers, committee members, and every attendee whose support made the event a resounding success.
As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that Sao Joao 2026 was far more than just a festival—it was a celebration of identity, friendship, faith, and togetherness. It rekindled memories of home, forged new friendships, and strengthened the bonds that unite the Goan community across continents.
The echoes of laughter, music, and celebration lingered long after the final song ended. Guests departed with smiles on their faces, cherished memories in their hearts, and one common promise—to return next year for an even bigger and more memorable Sao Joao celebration. Once again, the Goan Welfare Association proved that while oceans may separate people from Goa, nothing can distance them from their culture, traditions, and the spirit that makes them proudly Goan.
The Goan Welfare Association (GWA) has undoubtedly been the face and voice of Goans living in the oil-rich nation of Qatar for more than 26 years. Ably led by the inimitable Simon D'Silva, the association has, since its inception, joined hands with charitable groups such as CRY, CARITAS, the Prime Minister Relief Fund, Gujarat Earthquake Victims, Orphan Children Suffering from HIV under Goa Caritas, Usgao-Goa Flood Victims, and others. It has rendered yeoman service in nurturing Goan culture and spirit among the large Goan expatriate community. The association has also always been at the forefront of reaching out to various causes back home, setting a shining example for others. It is therefore no surprise that GWA has successfully hosted events with great aplomb for over twenty-five years. The association is known not only for meticulous planning but also for the flawless execution of its events.