Kuwait: The Konkani-speaking community in Kuwait came together in large numbers to celebrate Konkani Diwas 2026 and Vodle Fest at a grand cultural programme organised by the Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) on Friday, January 23. The day-long celebration was held at the Indian Community School Kuwait (ICSK), Khaitan, and turned into a vibrant showcase of the rich traditions, language and culinary heritage of the Konkani community from Mangaluru and Goa.
The event drew participation from more than 300 performers, while close to 1,000 people attended the fest. The venue came alive with colourful decorations, cultural exhibits, game stalls and food counters, offering a festive atmosphere reminiscent of home. Authentic Mangalorean and Goan delicacies such as potrade, seviyo, sanna, panpole, sweet mutli, chicken sukka, kori-rotti, mutton curry, Kundapur chicken, mutton green curry, beef sukka, golibaje, buns, chone tendly, galbechi chetni, vorn, charmuri, falooda, tamde gule, acroot, festachi mithai and several other traditional items were relished by visitors throughout the day.
The programme began at 1 pm with compère Deepak Andrade introducing the Vodle Fest and welcoming the gathering. Sharon Gonsalves recited the opening prayer, followed by Gloria D’Souza rendering a hymn during the blessing of the stall counters. Fr Avil Rosario, Spiritual Animator of KCWA, formally inaugurated the fest by cutting the ribbon at the exhibition counter and blessing the game and food stalls, declaring the event open.
In the evening, the stage programme commenced with an introduction to Konkani culture and traditions by compères Sharon Gonsalves and Gloria D’Souza. This was followed by the prayer hymn Namo Namo Sarveshwara sung by members of the managing committee. KCWA president Prakash Pinto then welcomed the guests and audience to the Konkani cultural celebration.
President Prakash Pinto, Vice-President Arun Jossy D’Souza and General Secretary Reena Pereira escorted KCWA former Spiritual Director Rev Fr Melwin D’Cunha to the stage. Fr Melwin, who was in Kuwait on a short visit, delivered a message appreciating the sustained and commendable work of KCWA in preserving Konkani language and culture. The programme was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial mounting of the Konkani flag, respectfully presented by committee members.
Children of the AKFK Abbasiya Choir Group delighted the audience by rendering Baal Gitam Bho’nddar Konkani songs from Mandd Sobhann. The choir was trained by Anil Tauro and Savita Tauro. The Christmas Hamper initiative was another highlight, encouraging members to contribute generously towards KCWA’s mission. Prakash Gonsalves, Arun Jossy D’Souza and Prakash Pinto achieved the highest hamper distributions and were felicitated with tokens of appreciation. The hamper draw was coordinated by Roystun D’Souza and Naveen Mascarenhas in the presence of sponsor Precilla Pereira, president Prakash Pinto and past presidents Stevan Rego and Albert Praveen Menezes.
A special dance performance themed “Konkani Bhas” was presented by team ಕೊಂಕ್ಣಿ ಲಾರಾಂ, showcasing Mangaluru’s traditional costumes and cultural heritage. The concept and direction were by Raina D’Mello, while choreography was handled by Mrs Mitanshi Saish Dance Academy. Goan culture was highlighted through a lively Mando performance by team Florinhas De Goa, featuring traditional folk forms such as Mando, Dulpod and Mhárça, coordinated by Xavier Lobo.
Traditional Voviyo and verse singing were presented by Team Amchi Karavali under the coordination of Lavitha Alvares and Sylvia Pinto. Students of the KCWA MaiBhas Class presented a melodious Konkani song trained by Shanthi Fernandes and Maria Rinna D’Souza, including the Aksharamale song composed by former teacher Gladys Noronha. Certificates were distributed to students in recognition of their performance and regular attendance.
Team ಗೀತ್ ಸಂಗೀತ್ delivered a soulful singing performance featuring compositions from Mandd Sobhann, coordinated by KCWA Cultural Secretary Anil Pais. The Konkani comedy skit ಕಾರ್ಬಾರಿ ಫೆಲಿಸ್ by Team Gammath Kalakar Kuwait, directed and coordinated by Johnson D Almeida, drew loud applause. The Infant Jesus Kids Choir, Salmiya, performed the song KONKANNI AMCHI BHO’RO’M’CHI BHAS, coordinated by Allen Pinto and Aaron D’Souza.
In his message, Spiritual Animator Fr Avil Rosario praised KCWA’s consistent efforts to promote the Konkani language and culture. Membership Affairs Coordinator Tressy Cutinho conducted a membership lucky draw for all active members of 2026, including honorary, patron and life members, in which Roselle D’Souza (membership number 2929) emerged as the lucky winner. A housie draw further kept the audience engaged.
Fr Darel Fernandes, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Arabia Minor Basilica, Ahmadi, graced the occasion and urged the community to preserve the Konkani language for future generations. The mime musical Kani Nai Jini by Jolly Friends Kala Pangad, coordinated by Linette D’Souza, presented a powerful wordless depiction of the life cycle and received an enthusiastic response. This was followed by a lively dance performance by the Sparkling Stars Dance Group, choreographed by Rita Pinto.
Traditional performances such as Roce Sambhram by the Abbasiya Konkani community coordinated by Lavina Furtado, Kazar by the Ahmadi team coordinated by Prashanth Ferrao, and Burgyak Palnyanth Dovorche by the Salmiya team led by Joyce D’Souza took the audience on a nostalgic journey. The special attraction of the evening, the Kombo, was won by roll number 13, while the concluding baila dance brought the celebrations to a joyful close.
Event coordinator Arun Jossy D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of the managing committee, support committee members and volunteers. Special appreciation was extended to Alban D’Souza for photography and videography, supported by Arwin Rodrigues and Rakesh Pereira, Roshan Rodrigues for sound management, Anand D’Souza for sound and lighting, China Metro Restaurant and Phoenix Confectionary for food stalls, and all sponsors.
KCWA thanked the management of ICSK Khaitan for providing the venue. The programme concluded at 10 pm with the Laudate, thanking God for the pleasant weather and the successful completion of the event. The entire programme was coordinated by Arun Jossy D’Souza, Reena Pereira, Anil Pais, Johnson Almeida, Kevin D’Souza and Veena Serrao, with support from the full managing committee.
