News by Rashmi Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SB)
Bangalore, Feb 2: As the sunset into the horizon and the full moon took charge of lighting up a wonderful evening on Saturday January 30, which will always, be remembered by all as “Mood ManGLOWrean” organized by the oldest and largest konkani associations of Bangalore, Kanara Catholic Association.
The spirit of Mangalore was experienced at Catholic Club. As one stepped in, Mangalore came alive as the entrance was converted into a mathov with braided coconut leaves, decorated on either sides to look like a gaoncho kitchen. There was the moodo, thodpe, neevne, shinkio, kandi, valni, modki …….. You name it and it was there.
Trays full of kalays (jasmines) and abolis were there for the ladies. The air was filled with delicately perfumed marigold and chrysanthemum.
There was a thrill when the MC, Tina Andrade-Joseph started the programme with the words of the popular song “Konkani amchi baas, konkan amcho gaon……..” An evening to rekindle memories of “Amchi Kodiyaal”. The tables were laid out with little lamps, betel leaves and nuts.
To add to the ambience, people came dressed in the traditional Mangalorean attire. Men in their pudve, kutao and cap. Women with their handloom saree, hair rolled up in a shaendo (bun) adored with jasmine and abolis.
“Dream Tonez”, Bangalore’s popular band gave their best. They took the 1,500 strong crowd down the memory lane and entertained them with Konkani hits over the years. The packed dance floor was testimony to the popularity of the band. People of all age groups swayed and just could not get enough of the Baila. The tempo and merriment continued when the DJ took over with his remixes until the end.
The cultural dance showcased our kids, youth and elders portraying a transient in one’s life. Everyone was in awe of the talent of the vibrant and enthusiastic participants. The performance was truly brilliant and entertaining. None other than our very own, Preetha Periera choreographed the dance.
The authentic coastal cuisine tickled every taste bud with its sumptuous spread, getting nostalgic memories of Mai’s cooking – boiled rice with bimbli saar and galmbi chutney, kubey mutlim, isvon fish fry, potrade, kori kachhpu, mutton isthew, pork rakthi, baffat and indad. Poli accompanied all this, like sannas, panpoles, appams, shevios and Mangalore buns. Desserts included the delicacies like guilio kheer, haldi khole patholeo and manni.
It was clearly evident that you cannot keep a Manglorean away from good food and music.
The Konkani quiz put forward by the MC had many of them running with the answers to claim prizes. People were seen socializing with their childhood friends, neighbours and classmates. The mood was soaring by the minute. One could see camaraderie building up and fostering a feeling of belonging to the community.
Mood ManGLOWrean turned out to be a memorable event not only for the community members but also for the non-Mangaloreans who were very enthusiastic witnessing the show.
The event was possible only because of the tireless and meticulous efforts of KCA president Vitus Pinto and our various sponsors, the main being Ronald Colaco and family.