Clarence Pinto - Daijiworld Media Network  Muscat

Muscat, Jan 20: The Pangalites in Oman gathered under the banner “Oman United Pangalites”, which aims to unite all the Pangalites residing in Oman, to celebrated the feast of St. John Evangelist, patron saint of Pangla Parish – Mangalore Diocese on the 19th of January 2007 at the Al Arsalan Restaurant hall. The hall was colorfully decorated to suit the tradition and culture and filled with the fragrance of jasmine flowers specially flown from Pangala, land of world famous jasmine. 

The program commenced with an introduction by Lavina Dsa, emphasizing the importance of the unique gathering and the feast celebration. This was followed by a prayer session conducted by Melvin Menezes during which our children offered flowers to the statue of St John. Senior and active members of Pangala community in Muscat, Stephen Nazareth and Francis Mendonca together with the current President Sunil Dsa and Secretary Trecilla Menezes offered candles to the statue as a token of love and gratitude for the numerous favors and graces received through the intercession of St John.  Jovin Menezes read the word of God and the children offered prayers. Then, Sunil Dsa extended warm and hearty welcome to the gathering.

Our young and budding talents Liza Dsa, Shannon Menezes , Rianna Lobo and Priya presented their fine dance talents with scintillating dance performances which enthralled full audience. Shaun Menezes budding young artist of our community presented some rib tickling jokes to fill the hall with humor and laughter. 

The highlight of the day was a beautiful song ' Pangla Gana' composed by konkani writer Lavina Dsa.  It was sung by our  Pangla singers with traditionally  attire and costume. The song highlighted the landmarks  found within Pangla Parish and achievements in the beloved parish.

This was followed by a full session of fun and frolics for young and old. Various games like the chocolates game for children and the cricket for adults were conducted with the help of prominent Mangalorean activists Flavia Menezes,  Violet Lobo, Prakash Dsa.

Remy Lobo proposed the vote of thanks thanking all the sponsors and volunteers. A. L. Monis ,a well know Konkani actor congratulated the Oman Pangalites for organizing such high-spirited program and uniting many Pangalites under one roof and one banner. He also praised for the efforts rendered by Pangla leaders in Oman to preserve the culture and tradition of our motherland.

Sumptuous and traditional lunch was prepared by well-known Mangalorean caterer of Muscat, Alwyn Sadhana of Al Arsalan Restaurant with complete Mangalorean flavor and enjoyed by each and every one attended. The program concluded with one more tradition of our ancestors that is the song of lav da te.

With out any doubt, this was a heart touching event for many of the Pangalites for having met their fellowmen from Pangla. The efforts of the Oman United Pangalites team to gather so many Pangalites as a single family were highly appreciated. Each one carried  home the sweet memories of this feast held in a traditional way.