The Goan Welfare Association (GWA), celebrated the World Goa Day on November 23 at the Al Ghazal Club Hall (QP). GWA created a Goan atmosphere and environment with the cultural group ‘Goenchim Noketram’ who were flown in from Goa.
Goenchim Noketram, a 15 member cultural troupe, led by Marianela Gina Mascarenhas Dias, opened their programme with ‘Dekhni’ – a folk song and dance. Bringing memories of the bygone era, Goenchim Noketram then performed the ‘Fugdi Dance’ synchronising rhythmically to the banging of coconut shells.
Among the other presentations were Kunnbi Tribal Dance, Portuguese Dance, Kharvi Dance and a Gaudi comedy act. A medley of Konkani, Portuguese and Hindi songs with colourful costumes got everyone in the audience to their feet.
Goenchim Noketram concluded their performance with a Mando - a traditional Goan love song. Local artistes Peter Camilo, Janice Fernandes, Stella Fernandes, Camillo Collaco, Vincy D’Costa, Anthony Rodrigues, Peppy Pereira, Sanchia Fernandes and John De Sa with their songs and music by Agnelo Rodrigues rendered valuable support to the event. Lavina D’Souza, councilor of Marmagoa Municipal council, who was on visit to Qatar also obliged the organisers with two beautiful songs.
Luizinho Faleiro, ex-CM of Goa and member of Congress Working Committee, was the chief guest of the day. Sanjiv Arora, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, was the guest of honour, and Tony Botelho, Managing Director of Goa Petcoke Consultancy Services, was the special guest.
Simon D’Silva, president of GWA, thanked the guests for their presence and assistance to the World Goa Day.
G R Crasto, editor of Bahrain Goans e-newsletter Xit-Koddi, compered the show.
‘This is a show that will be remembered for long’ said a family as they walked out of the hall at the end of the programme. Goenchim Noketram, sponsored by Indian Council for Cultural Relations, left for UAE the next day, where they are scheduled to perform for the national day of UAE.
The Peninsula
