---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Fatima Pais <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
'GOA FESTIVAL 2006' NEW DELHI A Five day Goa Festival was organised by Goenkarancho Ekvot, in association with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, at Goa Sadan, Amrita Shergill Marg, New Delhi from 8th to 12th November 2006 in a true Goan atmosphere and ambience. Former Attorney General and eminent Jurist Soli Sorabjee inaugurated the festival. Suman Kurade, Chairperson of the Goenkarancho Ekvot – an organisation of Goans settled in New Delhi in her welcome address said that the organization is a perfect blend of unity between two cultures and an ideal institution, which promotes harmony between communities. She spoke about the responsibility that rests with Goan diaspora in passing on Goa's Legacy of Art and cultural heritage and traditions to the future generation of Goans living outside in Goa. Shri Digambar Kamat Hon. Minister for Art and Culture in his presidential address said people from all over come to Goa and fall in love with the place and settle down in Goa forever. He expressed fear that due to Goa's smaller size and space, the population of Goa may face the threat of losing its identity. Goa however, he said, is known for its hospitality the world over and assured his support in celebrating this annual event on an even grander scale in the coming years. Margaret Alva, AICC. General Secretary and In charge of Goa Desk also attended the function. To mark the occasion a souvenir, focusing on issues concerning Goa and Goans was released at the hands of Hon. Minister Digambar Kamat. To honour young achievers from Goan community in Delhi, for obtaining meritorious results in final board examinations Education Awards were handed over to Ms. Natasha Godinho and Pushpanjali Sharma by Shri Soli Sorabjee. The festival saw throngs of people, Goans and non-Goans visiting Goa Sadan, to soak in Goa's rich cultural heritage. The venue was transformed into a traditional Goan-village with large screens depicting Goan people looking out of the windows of their homes. The stage had a backdrop of a typical Goan house. In this perfect ambience authentic Goan cuisine was being served. The guests were seen enthusiastically tucking into spicy recheado and chicken xacuti and feni cocktails. Live band of Goan musicians helped to make the festival a grand success. The young and the old were seen dancing to the popular Goan and Portuguese numbers. Delhi-based musician Seby Fernanades had the crowd enthralled with his engaging music. The Goan troupe- Kepenchi Kiran, resplendent in the traditional costume , torhop-baz and to the accompaniment of the violin and gumott, presented for the people of the capital, the melodrama of the Goan Mando. Goa Handicrafts Corporation as well Industrial Development Corporation, Goa participated. There was variety of Goan handicrafts and processed foods for sale and exciting games stalls for the children. _______________________________________________ Goanet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.goanet.org/listinfo.cgi/goanet-goanet.org
