The Goan Welfare Association (GWA), a community forum of expatriates from the Indian state of Goa in Qatar, celebrated World Goa Day-2016 with a slew of cultural activities at Mercure Grand Hotel.
World Goa Day was started by the World Alliance of Goan Associations on August 20, 2000, for Goans across the globe to celebrate their culture and heritage. It was the vision of Rene Barreto to unite Goans spread across the world on this particular day that gained momentum over the years to become the grand event that World Goa Day is. This event is celebrated by Goan associations in various countries, globally.
In Doha, the event at Mercure Grand Hotel began with some fiery numbers by DJ Glorio Fernandes and ace compere Mahesh Prabhu set the floor with fire. GWA Executive Committee members along with Vivian D’Souza, president of Konkani Speaking Community (KSC); Prakash Noronha, president of Mangalorean Cricket Club (MCC); Aloysius D’Souza, vice-president of Mangalorean Cultural Association (MCA) were present on the stage. GWA president Simon D’silva delivered the keynote address highlighting the significance of World Goa Day celebration around the world.
A number of spot games for children and adults were conducted, and winners were awarded with prizes. The poolside cool breeze and stage decoration with Goan replica sculptures added flavour to the celebration. The stage decoration was designed by Godfrey and Effey Noronha.
The cultural programme commenced with live performances by Sonia Prabhu, Perpetual Pereira, Natcey Barretto, Vincy D’Costa and Figo Rodrigues. Agnelo Rodrigues (AGGIE) and Glorio Fernandes supported to the singers with live music. Gulf Voice of Mangalore Qatar finalists Carol D’Souza and Clement Fernandes presented the audience with some foot-tapping Konkani numbers. It was a complete blend of Mangalorean and Goan evening, where both regional artistes paid tribute to their mother tongue Konkani.
Adding to all the fun was the mimicry artist, Amresh Kamat, who entertained the audience with his bag full of tricks. The tiny tots of GWA performed a group dance on the track Molbailo Dou, the participants comprised Patricia Fernandes, Gianna Noronha, Dave Ferrao, Ean Noronha, Amber Fernandes, Rihana Fernandes, Meagan Prabhu and Shaun Prabhu.
Danica Rodrigues and Caley Fernandes showcased the Portuguese fisherfolk dance Vodekara Vodekara. Then again, Carol D’Souza and Clement Fernandes set the stage with duet number Ye Chedwa Tuzo Mog Haven Kela, for which Shawn Fernandes and Elena Noronha put the footsteps with a marvellous dance performance.
Later, Tanya and Joaquim Rodrigues stepped in for love song Rajan and Prema while Contrad Sasnacho – a song performed by Celsa and Allan D’Souza. Snasloy D’Silva, Natasha Fernandes, Errol Pereira and Chynara Rodrigues danced to the peppy song Juliana.
Simon D’Silva, Gina Noronha, Olga and Edgar Fernandes put the fire on floor with performance on the song Osoch Fottotai. A Portuguese cultural song Corridinho was performed by Seema and Cajie Rodrigues with traditional gesture.
Gasdy and Merwyn Ferrao brought the audience on the floor by their performance on Forsa Goa – Goa’s football team anthem. The title song Nacho ia Kumpasar was well performed by Sean Fernandes and Gina Noronha.
Finally, the fashion show enthralled the audience as Errol, Chynara, Snasloy Elena, Shawn, Natasha, Sean and Gina walked the ramp wearing Goan traditional outfits. The cultural day concluded with the traditional dinner and open dance performance on the floor.