Mando Festival at Chinchinim village The Mando Festival Committee of Chinchinim has maintained the tradition of annually holding the event under tremendous financial constraints for 41 years.The direct financial response has not been overwhelming supporting the event.The souvenir on the ocassion helped to tide over to some extent Late Mr.Martin Pereira from Caramorod invested his passion and sacrifices to put Chinchinim on the map of Mando Festival.Chinchinim today for 41 years still continues uniterrupted with help of wellwishers to preserve this traditional, ancestral, exclusive art form making Villagers proud .It provides groups another venue to further be appreciate and spread the message in V illage beyond the confines of major metropolitan cities. Original Mando promoted by Bernado on a grand scale still continues to touch the hearts and soul of distinctive Goan Culture.Originally it was limited to few well known famous groups Curtorim ,Margao Loutolim from Salcette for one at the forefront of popularising it amongst the elite.Hence Chinchinim village was the first to be give an opportunity to participate at local level.Topp performing groups voluntarily participate at Chinchinim despite attractive rewards Prof CA Gomes' from Dandeavado , Chinchinim author , Poet dramatist, playwrite ,lyricist, social worker educationist of repute 'Headmaster' .Even at an advance age was the pioneer, executive member of Original Bernado Mando group represented Chinchinim for the very first time Participated in various categories specially operata.He has to his credit various prizes specially amongst others in original category . Operata as novelty was introduced by him. It was a sacrifice financialy as he met the cost of costumes, band , transport.He continued with detremmination as long as he physically could . Then Prof. Leboino his compatriot took up in his footsteps and won many a prizes.He had the advantage of being professional violinist. The burden of cost could he illafford but the effort was worth it to enhance the prestige of the Village Long after their decision to discontinue on health reasons, One past student of MMHS and teacher from SMA Mrs Victoria ventured successfully promoting the school with her own composition to0 Hence on the Mando map Prof, CA Gomes , Prof Leboino and teacher Mrs Victoria have inscribed their names in Golden letters preserving and promoting cultural traditions with love and sacrifices Presently the Govt gives meagre grants to keep it alive Among the past Parish Priests Fr JA da Costa encouraged wholeheartedly with valuable support of encouragement ,as he himself was a lover involveled in its promotion The organisers helped many young school children to shine on stage to the gratitude of parents The festival is scheduled on 14 NoV. 2025 at Chinchinim and the villagers wish success to the organising Committee in keeping alive the cultural traditions an unique land mark at Chinchinim
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
