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Curtorechim Sallkam tops at Mando fest Curtorechim Sallkam tops at Mando fest BY RAKESH Y KANDOLKAR PANJIM, JAN 28 – Curtorechim Sallkam stole the limelight at the 39th Mando festival organised by Goa Cultural and Social Centre was held at The Majestic hotel in Porvorim on Saturday. Merxechim Sallkam, Holy Rosary Convent, Nuvem and Perpetual Succor Convent High School Navelim won prizes in the junior category. Curtorechim Sallkam, St Xavier's Collegicho Naad, Mapusa and Merxechim Sallkam topped the senior group traditional category. St Xavier's Collegicho Naad, Mapusa, Fatordechim Fullam and Vellimchim Sallkam won prizes in the dance category. Curtorechim Sallkam, Mungulchim Mankam and Merxechim Sallkam topped the original category. Bernard Cota won the original music composer prize, while prize for the original lyrics went to Mariano Almeida and Josemaria D'Silva. Art and Culture Minister Digambar Kamat and Industries and Education Minister Luizinho Faleiro were present for the function. Earlier, the President of Goa Cultural and Social Centre welcomed the dignitaries. Luizinho Faleiro and Digambar Kamat inaugurated the festival by lighting the traditional lamp. A book on Mando and its presentations, written by Late Agapito de Miranda was released on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Faleiro stressed the need to hold Mando competitions in villages and called upon the winners of the village level competitions to participate at State level contests held in cities such as Panjim and Margao. He also assured financial help to promote the Mando festival. Art and Culture Minister Digambar Kamat said that Government supports this Mando Festival and has contributed Rs 1 lakh for it. He added that if there are any plans to organise Mando in Mumbai where there is sizable Goan population then the Government would provide all necessary support. Besides the locals, even foreigners attended the festival. Dr Bicaji Ganecar said that Mando is a mixture of both Western and Indian art. In all 9 groups from across Goa participated in the festival, with women artistes wearing the traditional "Bashtolob" outfit. The festival divided into two categories — junior and senior categories. Senior group was further divided into traditional category, dance category and original category. -- Salaam ali kum. Gabe Menezes. London, England