The beautiful form of song and dance, of “Mandos & Dulpods” was enacted for
the first time this year at the 41st All Goa Mando Festival at Narcinva
Damodar Naik Hall Pajifond Margao before a record crowd this evening 9th
January, 2008 in the distinguished presence of the Chief Minister of Goa and
MLA Margao Shri Digamber Kamat, who arrived almost towards the end of the
programme. Political instability alarm appears to have delayed his arrival.
It must be said to the credit of the Goa Cultural & Social Centre, now a
registered body under the Registration of Societies Act,1980 since 1971, that
is responsible for preserving and presenting this unique form of song and
dance since 29th August, 1965. Today’s function in collaboration with the
Department of Art & Culture Govt of Goa and the Kala Academy Goa Government
funded body.
This evening , the “Mandos “ which symbolizes the social milieu of Goans from
time to time, and associated with the elite of the Goan society since times
immemorial received a tremendous boost owing to the support it received from
the Kala Academy. Its new President Mr Francis Noronha also the President of
Clube Nacional was all excited with the overwhelming response 38 Groups in all
both at Panaji which was held on 7th January, 2008 and now in Margao.
Speaking to this writer at the venue Mr Noronha was certain that in the coming
years if the Government provides financial assistance an office premise to
carry on the centres activities etc the Mando will be revived in full vigour he
was full of enthusiasm in this regards.
This year the 41st Mando Award went to Goenchim Noketram of Sarzora . No
prizes were awarded to Dance Category and the Senior Citizens category but
consolation prizes as a means of encouragement went to Merces Firgojecho Sad
and Senior Citizens Guild respectively.
Other groups that participated and won accolades were Goencho Noketram Mando
Mogi Mercechem Salkam. In the children’s category Mercexhim Sobit Fulam Swadik
Nad Merces and Fulte Bhongem Merces.
The Groups that participated in Margao
1. Fatordechim Fulam Fatorda
2. Vel lechim Fulam Velim
3. Vel’lechim Fulam
4. Goenchim Noketram Sarzora
5. Novemchim Mankam Motiam
6. Mungulchim Mankam
7. Mando Mogi
8 Vel’lencho Nad Velim
9. Rivonche Thonddgar Zhori
10 Goenchim Noketram Sarzora
Panaji
1. Fulte Bhonge Merces
2. Bhurgeancho Naad Merces
3. Suadik Naad Merces
4. Merxechim Sobit Fulam
5. Rosarychim Noketram Dona Paula
6. Merces Firgojecho Sad
7. St Xavier’ Colegicho Naad
8. Merxechim Fultim Salkam
9. Senior Citizens Guild
10 Merxechim Fultim Salkam
11. Chimbelchim Noketram
Compere Dr Bicaji Ganecar
Ms Tina Costa / Ms Swati Naik.
Mr Thomas Fernandes
Ms Ana Tereza Rodrigues
Churchill Alemao Minister for PWD Science & Technology RDA was the Chief Guest
at the Kala Academy at Panaji on the first day 7th January, 2008.
Interestingly the Government of Goa tormented by the demand for official
recognition to Konkani in Roman script since June 2005 has woken up to the
public upsurge and loosened their purse strings to preserve this dying cultural
tradition of song music and dance by announcing financial assistance. In
September, 2006 Goa Cultural and Social Centre in collaboration with Goa
Konkani Academy organized a workshop on Mando, and this enthused several Goans
to partake in the same.
The overwhelming response of participants at the just concluded competition on
7th January, 2008 at the Kala Academy Panaji and today is a clear indication
that Goans have realized the importance of this facet of their cultural life
styles, and the need to preserve it .
More recently it is also seen the “Mando and Dulpods” are a “must present”
feature by musical groups almost at every wedding, cultural festivities held in
the State. Interestingly some Goans in New Delhi Kolkatta Bangalore and Mumbai
received rave reviews seeing the Mando and Dulpods being enacted at these
places.
Chief Minister Mr Digamber Kamat assured all support to the promotion of this
cultural aspect of Goans. He proudly stated that his Government had promoted
excellent groups to perform overseas for two successive years. As regards the
enhancement of funds from Rs. 1 lac given last year to two lacs this year he
remained non committal (apparently the destabilizing delima of today was behind
his mind) . He however promised to scout for premises for the Centre, and the
suggestions of President Mr Noronha to provide the Post office premises or the
Press room now vacated at the Old Secretariat or the rooms in the government
quarters at St Inez would be looked into he said.
Meanwhile the three hour programme had a packed audience who waited until 1005
hrs as the function commenced only at 1730 hrs.
A large number of foreign tourists too were present on the ocassion. The whole
programme was recorded by the cable network HCN. A beautiful laid out magazine
was released and put on sale on the ocassion. Dr Francisco Colaco emminent
cardiologist from Margao himself a Mando lover has elaborated on the Mando and
provided inputs for the younger generation to learn the same. With workshops
being conducted by the Kala Academy there is scope for progress.
Meanwhile Mando Dulpods are available on request via email with this writer to
help boost the tradition.
Sidelights
a) the Hall was not upto the mark the curtains were a nuisance to the performers
b) the water closet etc provided traumatic experience to those easing out
c) the snacks and cold drinks on sale were limited
d) one of the lady comperes though not upto the mark was a subject of ridicule
because of her provocative style of performance on the stage that generated
guffaws of laughter from the audience.
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