GRAF’s ‘Gõycho Karnaval’ dazzles Mumbaikars
Goan Art Review Foundation (GRAF) a Cultural Body of the Konkani-English bi-monthly The Goan Review presented GÕYCHO KARNAVAL on 6th. February 2010 at Mary Immaculate Jr. College Hall, Kalina Santa Cruz (E) in aid of Our Lady of Egypt Church, Kalina, and on 7th of February 2010 at the St Sebastian Goan High school grounds, (Dabul), Charni Road, Mumbai in aid of St. Francis Xavier Church, Dabul.
This programme commenced with the traditional carnival parade led by King Momo followed by the very Goan characters of a baker (poder), coconut plucker (paddekar), bhattkar and floats showcasing traditional Goan rich culture like the Portuguese Marcha, Mando, and the traditional Goan dances such as Fulwali, Nistekaram, Dekhnni, Vauvradi, and festivals like the shigmo.
This was followed by more elaborate depiction of Goan traditional festivals, songs and dances, notable among them being ‘Sam Juanv Utsov’ and the ‘Kunbi’ dance. The skit – Bakro Parabens ! (Congratulations Landlord!) which is a typical carnival item ‘Adlo Zomnivoilo Fell’ with a moral was well enacted and much appreciated by the audience.
The highlight was the presentation of songs urging the complacent Goan to wake up from his sleep before it is too late to be overcome by non Goans. The presentation of the mix masala dance showing how the present Goan culture has been influenced by a mix culture of song and dance was appreciated by all. The fantabulous cultural programme concluded with a hymn to Goa’s patron saint - Sam Francis Xavier.
Besides this the audience joined in the dancing sessions and enjoyed themselves. There were a number of prizes given away.
The chief guest on this occasion was Mr. Gerson da Cunha a renowned theatre and Cinema personality. In his very brief speech he urged Goans to wake up and save Goa’s ecology, environment and it’s rich cultural heritage. The Guests of Honour Mr. Marden Fernandes, MD Theseus Group of companies and Mrs Annie Shekar, Hon MLA, Colaba also spoke on the occasion.
This programme created a very Goan ambience in Mumbai with traditional Goan culture and not forgetting Goan cuisine. The programme received an overwhelming response with house full attendance and excellent participation.
(Renato Pereira) Photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9OHqMV4-WA-jjnUO2wtyEw?feat=directlink http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QY6NotRdseudXW3iEpUahA?feat=directlink http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G08eZRMw064BPFYOUtXauA?feat=directlink http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ycyc6iuJ2DX_R0VPLsNs7A?feat=directlink Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter presented by goa-world.com team http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/gulf-goans
