from Jacob Richard Machado
for Daijiworld Media Network – Salalah (NR)
Salalah, Oct 20: The much-awaited ‘Food Festival’ took place at the St. Xavier’s Church compound. Salalah food festival is probably the most interesting and the most entertaining event to be held here. This has been an annual event for the past few years. The parish priest, Fr Raphy Vallacheri, took full interest in organizing the event, so much so that it turned out to be a grand success.
The evening began with the recitation of the ‘Rosary’ followed by the Holy Mass, after which the blessing of the stalls took place.
The items displayed at the Mangalorean Stall were mouth-watering with dishes like pork bafat prepared by Anita D’Souza; chicken curry by Sunita Mendonsa, chicken sukka by Robert Rego, chicken biryani by Jacqueline D’Souza; beef roast by Juliet D’Souza, chicken drumsticks and chicken popcorn by Ilona Machado and chicken franks by Lyra D’Souza.
Winney Sequiera, Prafulla Rego, Vinnie Lobo, Theresa Aranha, Anitha Moras and Ivy Mathias took upon the task of making the sannas. There were 'panpoles' too made by Irene Noronha.
There were other food stalls too, put up by different communities. Children as well as adults found themselves occupied at various game stalls, with several interesting gifts to be won.
The food items on stage were a feast for the eyes and soon were gobbled with sheer delight. The eager and excited children of the Mangalorean Konkani speaking community Nissi, Darrin, Kevin, Naomi, Greeshma, Samantha, Michelle, Elton, Lydon, Aishal, Vineeth and Delanie trained by Diana Carvalho, Lyra D’Souza and Sunita Mendonsa presented action songs like “The more we are together…” and “ You are my sunshine…”
The teen-cousins of the community, Clinton and Keith kept all entertained with instrumental music on the keyboard and guitar.
Brian, Selwin, Glen along with Judith, Lilian and Pearl captivated the audience dancing in Punjabi style of ‘Balle Balle’ on the number “Dhol Baja Raj Raj Ke.”
The entertaining evening ended with a game of the ‘Lotto’, followed by results being declared of the lucky dip.