Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Jul 26: "The monthly theatre programme titled ‘Moinyali Manchi’ organised by leading Konkani cultural organisation Mandd Sobhann, is on the threshold of celebrating the 200th episode," informed Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario in a press meet in city on Tuesday, July 31.

The monthly diverse cultural programme was started with the motto of providing platform to encourage Konkani art and artistes. The first monthly theatre was held on January 6, 2002 and ever since, programmes have been held every month for sixteen years and eight months without break. On August 5, the 200th episode will be held, which is a great celebration for the organization and artistes alike.

In this era of globalization, it is the local language and culture which is suffering. Many of them are on the verge of extinction. The number of Konkani speaking people, have reduced according to the latest census. However, there are organizations like Mandd Sobhann who are striving to keep the Konkani culture alive.

‘Moinyali Manchi’ is a unique cultural programme, held on the first Sunday of every month on the open platform of Kalaangann, Shakthinagar in city. The cultural world opens up exactly at 6.30 pm. For the next two hours, the stage remains alive with music, dance, drama and other art presentations. Young artistes become active on the decorated dais. Old artistes get enlivened. Konkani artistes, who come from east, west, north and south without discrimination, laugh, dance and enjoy and entertain the audience. 

The programmes are pre-planned and well executed. Artistes cannot go to the dais without the practice. The programme should be started on time and should be over at 8.30 pm except on special occasions. The artistes are paid assured honorarium and travelling allowance to those who come from distant places. Mandd Sobhann shoulders the responsibility of lighting, sound, publicity and necessary accommodation. The Manchi as it is called has the reputation of holding the theatre continuously for two hundred months on the first Sunday of every month. Such continuity is hard to maintain and is a pride for the language.

The beginning of Mandd Sobhann

Mandd Sobhann which translates to ‘beautiful platform,’ dawned in search of Konkani genres of music at Woodland Hotel auditorium on November 30, 1986. As times passed, Kalaangann, a unique building took shape to encourage the growth of art. However, there was a need to bring life in this building.

Eric Ozario who had the dreams of encouraging art and Louis J Pinto who had the capacity to make the dream a reality, decided to form a committee to hold 'Mandd Sobhann Motiyaan', musical evening under the motto of ‘platform for art and encouragement to artistes’ on January 6, 2002.

The programme initially had entrance fee of Rs 30 and Rs 100 and was made free later. The audience could be counted on fingers. There were hurdles such as lack of transport facility to the outskirts of the city. Voluntary contribution by audience was introduced later. Mandd Sobhann maintained its strong stamp and protected discipline and continuity which enabled celebrations of its 25th, 50th, 100th and 150th episode. Today, it is preparing for the grand celebration of its 200th monthly theatre. It has the same enthusiasm in it. The spectator arrives much early and takes his seat and sometimes stands and watches the programme. 

A wide variety of art forms are presented on the stage. Music, dramas, dances, skits, experiments in different drama forms such as jokes, Harikatha, Yakshagana, different forms of folklore, variety entertainment, musical evenings in memory of elderly artistes, holy music, musical skits, dance skits, poetic film and dances, music songs jugalbandi and youth festivals are presented.

Elderly artistes have performed here. Artistes from Siddi, Kudmi, Kharvi, Daldi, GSB, Saraswath, Gawde and Catholic communities from Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa and foreign countries have obtained opportunities to present their art here. Artistes of small groups from villages have been able to perform with groups from the city. In the process, of accepting everybody as their own, Mandd Sobhann has taken the Konkani prestige to a higher level.

Though most programmes are held in Ronald and Norin Mendonca open auditorium, during monsoons, the programmes continue in Gracy Ganga Naik Bandodkar auditorium on Luiza Francis Fernandes stage.

The accounts of previous monthly theatre are presented just before the programme. The average cost of the programme is Rs 55,000 while voluntary contribution is usually Rs 4,000. Though the loss sustained in last 200 theatre programmes exceeds Rs 1 crore, the programmes have continued as it is not just money that measures the protection and growth of art.

The 200th programme is titled 'Aput' meaning pure. Mandd Sobhann music will flow on Sunday evening, August 5 in the huge pandal raised in Kalaangann. Multi- talented artistes are already preparing for it.

This will be 186th exercise of Mandd Sobhann which came into existence 32 years ago as an experiment. The platform which raised the milestone in Konkani art performance will fly Konkani flag higher and reach greater heights.

Titles of the 200 ‘Motiyan’

Mandd Sobhann Motiyan, Mickmax Night, Abraunchen Yajnadan, Rostad, Nach Nach, Ward number 6, Hari Katha, Rang Tarang Geethmala, Geeth Saurabh, Parikrama, Bhangar Monis, Goincho Suvad, Nanda Deep, Peris Night, Wilson Night, Karganathellen Dirven, Bhangralen Goin, Yaadi, Partha Sarathya, Cris Perichi Yaad, Maxim Night, Konkan Kharvi Darshan, Henry Night, Burgyalen Natal, 150ven Mand Sobhan, Oh My Love, Jesu Jivithachen Udak, Dakther Damyaon, Ek Asello Jerome, Teen Rathn, Sampradayik Gumtan Podan, Madhur Sanz, Goinche Sangeeth, Tho Maka Naka, Nach Nach Nach, Fokan Sobhan, Konkni Lok Kala Darshan, Bhakthi Katha and Mandd Sobhan, Piyega Piyega, Goa going gone, Konkani Gazal, Chintnan Sobdan Karnen, Dirvyan Rupnen, Sumadhur, Sod top ten, Ek Sanz Mitrachi, Konkani Yuva Mahotsav, P H Pintochi Yaad, Goincho Parmal, Sangeeth Sangam, Jezu Bomvaricho Streeyo, Moga Manglura, Ankwar Mestri, Mankan Motiyan, Bongo, Ami Nathellya Velar, Ek Sanz Burgyanchin, Goin Gazotha, Konkani Mahotsav 2006, Shiviyo Roce, Country podan, Fashi, Radonk Melyan Ami Somesth, The Lulu show, Yuva Dabazo, Kon Tho Amcha Modlo, Bongo, Madhur Saanz, Shinv Zalen Gadaon, Patrao Night, Kon Ulaitha, Kepechin Kirnan, Konkani Mahotsav, Chalialen Sobhan, Dev Deta Then, Mankuli Mankan, 170ven Mandd Sobhan, Hashya Sobhan, Chintnan, Bokro, Naach Sambram, Kon Thun Anja, Yuva Sobhan, O Bhai, Yuva Mahotsav, Sod 2 top ten, Bhakthi Sobhan/Karezmacho Kantigo, Amchin Balan Rangal Fulan, 171 ve Mondd Sobhan, Ajal, Ables, Bolpo, The Adolph show, Goin Shahir, Sorry wrong number, Geeth Parmal, Tuji Khushi Zaon, Krista Khatir, Sadhan Shembor, Goin Gaitha-Goin Nachtha, Burgyalen Sobhan, Pass, Eklo anyeklo ani Karmadhin, Bostu, Kombyak Shinga Ailyar, Thembe, Konkani Coral Fiesta, Major Baretto, Valencia Jubilee Night, Mog Ason, Jezu Rakno, Talentan, Kistu Puran, Madhur Saanz, Master Plan, Vallu Jilly Zindabad, Shetan Merer, Eksuri Bail, Kevin Misquith Saanz, Patholi Rook, Sod 3 international, Tulsi, Ek Saanz Kavi Melvinacha Manak, Asello eklo Chafra, Burgyalen Sobhan, Goyen Gaitha, Pavsa Gammath, Melya Upranth, Goinchen Daaiz, Geeth Mandovi Zuvarichen, Bhuke Uzo, Dusri Jackson Night, Santa Kursache Kurven, Mister Jesus, He Raste Chukiche, Zalzalchin Nakthiran, Bomma, Murari Pooth MBBS, Konkni Niyal, Platform number 3, Sangeeth Saimbacho Khel, Kennis Musical Fiesta, Madthir Bhagath Singh, Hello uncle, Canute Night, Mando Fest, Ticket, Zalmilchin Taran, Padan Turo, Naach Bangara, Doremifa, Nimane 30 dees, Mogan Farik Karath, Konkani Lok Kala Darshan, Romeo Juliet, Prajoth D'Sa live, Sod-4, Salomi, Sangeeth Sunami, Sput, Rewind, Geeth Sangeeth, Ashadanthli Ek Saanz, Santanam, Ugad, Sumel, Sune Mazar Hasta, Sumadhur Saanz, Haas and Naach, Eke Veshyechi Katha, Adaun ani Eve, Asmitai, Love letters, Bhas Konkani Raag Tarangani, Oh La Re, Paying guest, Antarastriy Sangeeth Divas, Mariola, Magirchen Magir, Poilo Sur, Ashen Zalen Kashen, Dev and Devnchar, Gulamachen Shinv, Konkni Sugandh, 1 + 1 = 1, Naad Ninaad, Ashelon, Yours obediently, Antarastriy Sangeeth Divas, Lar Night, Mha Kaal, Navrang, Awesome Sangeeth Saanz, Moksh Bhavan, Rakan, Jawad, Morichika, Lawrence Night, Aput.