Report and pics: Dorothy Prakash
Daijiworld Media Network – London (SP)

London, Jan 1: Mangalore United Konkani Association (MUKA) celebrated Christmas in a traditional manner, with singing of carols etc., on Sunday December 27, 2009 at St Theresa’s Church Hall, Aspley – Nottingham. Fr Olvin Veigas SJ celebrated Eucharist in Konkani at St Theresa’s Church, accompanied by MUKA’s choir, members of which lent their melodious voices to the blissful occasion. 
 
Soon after the Eucharist, a short cultural programme had been organised by MUKA's committee and its members, under the leadership of Sunil D'cunha, president of MUKA. A well-adorned stage with a crib, colourful lightings etc., was set by Walter Rodrigues, a skilled artiste of ‘Waltsdecor’ fame. Sunil D'cunha welcomed the crowd by extending Christmas greetings, and followed it up by singing a carol, ‘When a child was born’, melodiously. John Fernandes as Santa Claus entertained the kids and everyone else, while the children had great fun with the Santa distributing sweets and dancing with him to the tune of ‘Jingle Bells’.
 

For the children below the age 10, a competition of reciting ‘Our Father’ in Konkni, was held. Averil Alvaris, a four-year old child, bagged the first prize. She surprised everyone with her flawless pronunciation and recitation. The second prize went to Hadley D'souza, while Jessica Aranha was placed third.

Dorothy Prakash arranged for homemade kuswar along with other volunteers of MUKA that was served during Advent to all with those present, along with coffee and soft drinks.

Young Melvia Reeni D'souza danced to the tune of Dayya Dayya, entertaining the crowd, and received a big round of applause. Deepak Alvaris and Anitha Sequiera sang a Konkani song,  ‘Happy Christmas tukam’.

Another young talent, Melrina Periera danced to the catchy tune of ‘Soni kudi tere nakhre sone lagde’, followed by a Desi dance from the film, Dostana, by the Desi girls team lead by Dorothy Prakash, Shalini Pinto and Sunitha Rodrigues.

Games were arranged for the children and the adults’ alike at the programme, which included musical chair and mimicry.  Shalini Pinto, vice-president of MUKA, proposed vote of thanks to those present, and especially thanked those who made this event memorable one, and also to Fr Michael, for providing the Church and the hall for the event. The programme ended with the Baila blast.