Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 27: In a landmark celebration of Konkani music, culture and heritage, Mandd Sobhann will organise the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention from November 3 to 15 at Town Hall, Mangaluru, marking the 40th anniversary (Ruby Jubilee) of the renowned Konkani cultural organisation.
The 13-day mega convention aims to bring together Konkani-speaking communities from across the world, celebrate the richness of Konkani musical traditions and showcase the language's cultural significance on an international platform. Dedicated to the memory of the late Eric Ozario, the visionary Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, the event is expected to mark a significant milestone in the history of Konkani music.
One of the major highlights will be an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for the longest singing marathon by multiple singers, featuring continuous singing for 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes.
Speaking at a press conference at Hotel Goldfinch in Mangaluru, Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto outlined the vision, preparations and major attractions of the mega convention.
300 teams, 6,700 singers to celebrate Konkani music
The Guinness World Records title attempt, titled 'Konko'nni Niro'nto'ri – So'msar So'raso'ri' (Eternal Konkani – Unto the World's End), will commence at 6 am on November 3 and conclude at 6.12 pm on November 15.
The marathon will feature 300 teams performing continuously in rotation, with each team singing for one hour without repetition of singers or songs. More than 6,700 singers are expected to participate, performing over 4,500 Konkani songs representing the language's diverse dialects and musical traditions.
The event will bring together participants from India, Australia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, reflecting the global reach of the Konkani community. Singers from different religious and cultural backgrounds, including Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities, will join hands to celebrate their shared linguistic and musical heritage.
The participating communities will include Konkani Christians, Gaud Saraswat Brahmins (GSB), Kudal Deshastha, Kharvi, Kudumi, Siddi, Nawayathi and Syrian Christian communities, among others.
More than 250 composers and music arrangers have contributed to the preparations. Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira will serve as the chief music director for the record attempt. Registration has been completed with the Guinness World Records office in London, and a senior official adjudicator has been appointed to oversee the attempt.
The convention will be formally inaugurated by Goa mief inister Dr Pramod Sawant on November 3 at Town Hall, Mangaluru. the bishop of Mangalore, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, will deliver the benediction, while Dr Ronald Colaco, president of the reception committee, will preside over the inaugural ceremony.
The valedictory programme on November 15 will be attended by chief minister D K Shivakumar, following the scheduled conclusion of the singing marathon.
12 seminars to explore Konkani music's rich heritage
Adding academic depth and an international perspective to the celebrations, the convention will feature 12 seminars covering various aspects of Konkani music, its evolution and its influence on society.
The sessions will explore Konkani devotional music in Goa and Mangaluru, folk music traditions, music and health, international music, baila music, musicians and their compositions, theatre and cinema music, and the influence of Mandd Sobhann's musical contributions.
Other important topics will include intellectual property rights and the role of artificial intelligence in music.
The seminars aim to encourage meaningful discussions, preserve traditional musical knowledge and explore new opportunities for Konkani music in a rapidly changing world.
As part of its efforts to recognise outstanding contributions to Konkani music, the convention will honour 12 senior musicians with the World Konkani Musical Excellence Award. Five of the awards will be presented posthumously.
The awardees include Chris Perry, Lawrence Saldanha, Fr Lino D'Mello, Melwyn Peris, Nemiraja Gowda, Jerome D'Sa, Vasanthi R Nayak, Alfred Rose, Shridhar Kharvi Cha, Mamdu Ibrahim, Ulias Buyão and Juliana Siddi.
The awards will recognise their invaluable contributions to the development, preservation and popularisation of Konkani music across generations and regions.
'Ful Fulota' to nurture young musical talent
With a focus on nurturing the next generation, a special musical programme titled 'Ful Fulota' (The Flower Is Blooming) will be organised on November 13 at the Rajaji Park Amphitheatre, opposite Town Hall.
Designed for children aged 10 to 16, the programme will provide a platform for young performers to experience and celebrate the unique musical traditions of Konkani.
Exhibition, Hall of Fame and Konkani cuisine
Beyond the musical marathon and seminars, the convention will offer visitors a range of cultural attractions.
An exhibition at the Town Hall premises will showcase the history of Konkani music, along with the life, traditions and cultural practices of Konkani communities.
A dedicated Hall of Fame will celebrate senior and contemporary musicians who have brought recognition to Konkani music through their achievements and contributions.
Food stalls featuring delicacies from different Konkani communities will further enrich the experience, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region's diverse culinary heritage.
Extensive preparations for historic event
Preparations for the mega convention have been under way since the public announcement of the record attempt on August 31, 2025, during the funeral of Eric Ozario.
The organisers have undertaken extensive work, including compiling thousands of songs, documenting lyrics, forming 300 performing teams, preparing musical tracks and karaoke versions, and coordinating rehearsals.
Around 40 assistant music coordinators have been appointed to supervise rehearsals and ensure smooth coordination among the participating teams. Arrangements have also been made for attendance records, participant declarations, accommodation, travel, catering and volunteer training.
The estimated budget for the historic event is approximately Rs 3 crore. The organisers view the expenditure as an investment in preserving Konkani heritage, promoting its music internationally and creating a strong foundation for future generations.
A global celebration of Konkani identity
The first World Konkani Music Mega Convention represents more than an attempt to enter the Guinness World Records. It is an initiative to bring together communities separated by geography but united by their language, music and cultural identity.
By combining a world-record attempt with academic discussions, honours for musical legends, opportunities for young talent and cultural exhibitions, Mandd Sobhann aims to position Konkani music on a wider international stage.
The organisers have appealed to the public, cultural enthusiasts and Konkani communities worldwide to participate in large numbers and support the initiative, making the convention a memorable milestone in the history of Konkani music.
Those present at the press conference included Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto, F W K M M C Finance Committee chairman Roy Castelino, chief music director Joel Pereira, Mandd Sobhann coordinator Joachim Stany Alvares, Mandd Sobhann secretary Ronald Crasta and Goa coordinator Michael Jude Gracias, among others.