With the arrival of the D-day, cultural splendour of Konkani speaking people unveiled during the first World Konkani Cultural Convention at Kalaangan on Thursday evening.
The colourful procession that was flagged off at Kalpane near Kulshekhar reached Kalaangan with more than 50 cultural troupes, bands, floats and tableaus accompanying a long parade.
The troupes that had come from far away places like Karwar, Chikmagalur and Honnavar did their every bit to add flavour to the procession by dancing to the Konkani tunes.
Some of the troupes that had come to take part in the event were Bonder Dharpi, Mother Theresa Band, Rose Band, Nach Sobhan, Chikmagalur Pangd among others.
The tableaus portraying traditional Konkani culture like the Catholic wedding in South Canara region accompanied by ‘Voviyo Vers’ song, Goan carnival, Kudmi’s dance, paddy harvesting replicated the Konkani culture at its best.
A daily wage labour Anjali Mothais who had come all the way from Yellapur to perform Siddhi and Pugadi dance was seen all excited to perform at the procession.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, she said that she was elated to dance at the procession.
“I am here just for two days. I will return to my place once I finish the assigned task. As many as 15 members of my community have come to Mangalore and we are all happy that we have been given a platform to present our dance,” she said.
While the Chairman of Governing Body Kalaangann Ronald Mendonca who was at the flagging off ceremony called it as an herculean task to organise a convention of this magnitude.
“The whole idea of this 25 days convention is to show the power of Konkani language and culture. The convention would spread awareness about Konkani culture and it is indeed a wonderful experience to witness the people from different parts of the world who have gathered here to observe the great fest,” he said
For the man behind the entire event, Mandd Sobhann Gurkaar Eric Ozario, the day was nothing but moments filled with fear, anxiety, concern and expectations.
“It is like a dream come true. After a year’s hard work I see the fruit. Initially we had limited the number of cultural teams to 50, but now it has reached 85. Teams from Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Goa along with five teams from abroad are taking part over the next 25 days,” he said.