Goans across globe unite at World Goa Day

EVENTS IN INDIA

DABUL-MUMBAI

The Goan Institute at Dabul Mumbai will celebrate World Goa Day as ‘Vixv Goa Dis’ at The Goan Institute (ILA Hall), Dabul, Girgaum-Mumbai, on August 24 from 7 pm onwards.

This year, the ‘Maharashtra Konkani Kala Sanstha’, which fully promotes Konkani language, art and culture, has joined The Goan Institute to celebrate the event.

The event will begin with a prayer dance by children, followed by an opening chorus highlighting the goodness of Goa. 

The chief guest is the doyen of the Konkani stage, Bab Titta Pretto, writer-director, actor and singer.

The programme consists of songs by different performers, including the professional crowd-puller of Konkani Stage, Succorine. There will be a Konkani comedy skit by Francis Fernandes, conveying a message on vocation. 

A live band ‘Allwyn & Boys’ and DJ Rohan will perform music, while a food stall will provide Goan delicacies.

BORIVLI-MUMBAI

Susegad Goans, Borivli-Mumbai, will celebrate their first ‘World Goa Day’ event at Bosco Wadi, Gorai, on September 22 from 9 am onwards. The event will include Goan food, DJ music, cultural dance performances, kids games and general knowledge puzzles to help educate the younger generation about Goa.

NORTH GOA

Encore Academy of Performing Arts will organise Goa's first spoken word festival in Konkani 'Uloi Fuloi' on World Goa Day (August 20) at Maquinez Palace, Panaji, from 4 pm to 7.30 pm.

The festival will be divided into two parts, a workshop for students (4 pm to 5 pm), followed by a diverse lineup of performers including Dr Shakuntala Bharne, Ramesh Ghadi, Gaudalupe Dias, Rajdeep Naik, Shirish Lawande, Willy Goes, Aryan Bhat, Sunil Sardessai, Amit Naik and Sobita Kurtadkar from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.

The performances include poetry recitation, monologues, story telling, stand up comedy, rap and more, showcasing the richness of spoken word as an art, and celebrating the vibrancy Goan culture and Konkani language.

Speaking at a news conference, festival brand ambassador Cecille Rodrigues said Encore Academy focuses on nurturing talents of kids in dance, music, theatre, magic and spoken words.

Curator of the festival, Pravin Sabnis, said Konkani was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution August 20 and hence, the 'Uloi Fuloi' festival is held on that day.

"This year, we will hold the festival on a smaller scale but from next year we will make it bigger by organising it for 3 days," Sabnis informed.

Sabnis further said all are invited to the festival and entry is free, but they will have to register at www.encorecircle.com.

On the occasion, Shailendra Mehta also recited the anthem of the festival, penned by him.

SOUTH GOA

The Goa Entertainment Association (GEA), Goa’s only and largest entertainment group from Goa, will organise the ‘GEA Monsoon Socials’ event alongside the 25th edition of ‘World Goa Day’ at Domingo’s Gazebo in Varca, South Goa, on August 20 from 6 pm onwards.

The Monsoon Socials conceptualised by Ryan Mark (GEA member) is collaborating with Rene Barreto, Global Head-Global Goan Festivals World Goa Day, assisted by Maria Gomes Fernandes, to have this unique event where all entertainers in Goa come together to celebrate and perform on this special day.

The highlight of the evening will be performances by ‘Double R’, ‘24K’, Ryan n Naisa, Acacio Pereira and Elvis Goes. The show will be hosted by Shane Almeida. 

While entry is free for all, a specially curated menu with table reservations can also be made.

The event will be live-streamed from 6.30 pm onwards on both the GEA and WGD official Facebook Page & GEA YouTube channel.

The GEA team headed by its President Herschel Mascarenhas is ably supported by the GEA members who have put in a lot of effort to organise this event and look forward to providing people with a lasting and memorable experience. 

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EVENTS OUTSIDE INDIA

ABERDEEN-SCOTLAND

The Goan Community Aberdeen (GCA), a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), celebrated World Goa Day on June 30 at the OGV Podium Aberdeen, Scotland.  

The event was hosted by Emcee Iggy Fernandes from London and was well-attended by members and non-members of the Goan Community.

A&E (Alcantra and Errol) from Edinburgh, Frenzie Vito from Portugal, Aberdeen's own ‘Oceanix’, and DJ Ron set the dance floor on fire with music.

The tickets included an entry fee and a delicious 3-course Goan meal served by Saji Caterers. 

The event was captured by photographers Sherlon Da Silva and Shane De Souza. 

GCA President Sydon Fernandes and the team were praised for hosting event and expressed their gratitude to all volunteers, musicians, participants, guests and caterer who attended and participated in the event, making it a memorable night.

ABERDEEN-SCOTLAND

The United Goans of Aberdeen (UGA) celebrated World Goa Day 2024 at Madri Lounge, Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen on August 10 at 7 pm.

Nearly 300 guests were present at the event, which was a vibrant showcase of music, dance, and cultural performances, creating a lively and festive atmosphere, as well as celebrating Goan culture and bringing the community together in a memorable fashion. 

The celebration drew guests from as far as Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, and even Dubai, highlighting its widespread appeal.

The evening began with an opening song performed by the Goan community, composed by Arsenal Dias, followed by scintillating performances by the ‘7 Notes Band’ from Goa to bring an authentic slice of Goan culture to Aberdeen. Their energetic and soulful music resonated with the crowd.

The excitement continued as DJs Ethax, Ron, and Johnson kept the dance floor alive with their chart-topping hits and mixes, ensuring the celebration continued late into the night. 

Adding a touch of elegance to the evening was a captivating violin rendition by Chris Rodrigues, whose performance was a standout moment of the event.

The night also featured a series of impressive solo and group performances, including a dance by Jovi Gomes and Mihaila Estrocio, whose talent and passion lit up the stage, earning rapturous applause from the audience. 

Jessica's solo performance and a spirited kids' dance added to the diversity of the entertainment, showcasing the talent within the community.

A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of UGA Director Francisco De Sa by prominent community member Arsenal Dias. UGA Director Noel Fernandes presented De Sa with a shawl and memento, honouring his contributions to the community.

The success of the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the UGA organising team, as well as the generous support from sponsors and the local Goan community. 

ABU DHABI-UAE

The Abu Dhabi Goans will celebrate World Goa Day in Abu Dhabi on October 5, with Goan food, music and dance. Details of the event will be released shortly.

AUCKLAND-NEW ZEALAND

The Goan Overseas Association New Zealand (GOANZ) will celebrate World Goa Day at the Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre, Auckland, on October 12. The event will include an evening of music and dance from 7 pm onwards.

BETHESDA-USA

The Goan Association Inc. (DC/MD/VA) celebrated World Goa Day ‘In solidarity with Goans Worldwide’ by organising an Annual Summer Picnic in the Park at Cabin John RP Group Picnic Area, Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda, MD, on June 23 from 11 am to 5 pm.  

The programme for the day included face painting and arts & crafts activities for kids, Goan trivia, bingo and soft yoga class, with appetising food. The participants were encouraged all to sport Goan cultural attire for the event.

BRISBANE-AUSTRALIA

Club De Goa will celebrate World Goa Day at Sunnybank Churches of Christ, Sunnybank, Brisbane-Australia on August 31 from 4 pm onwards. The event will have multi-cuisine food, skits and musical performances.

CALIFORNIA-USA

CalifornianGoans organised a World Goa Day Picnic to ‘Celebrate Music and Musicians of Goa’ at Del Valle Lake on July 29, from 11 am onwards.

The celebrations included fancy dress, open mic, swimming, traditional games, music, and mouth-watering Goan cuisine. The event, which took place amid the scenic backdrop of California’s parks, brought together the community to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Goa, informed Joseph Lourenco of CalifornianGoans. 

The picnic began with everyone boarding the picnic bus, where the joyful singing of Goan picnic songs set the tone for the day ahead.

The ‘Open Mic’ session and fancy dress event was dedicated to honour music and musicians of Goa. Local talents took the stage, showcasing their skills in front of an appreciative audience. The performances were a highlight of the day, offering a platform for singers and performers to pay tribute to Goa’s rich musical legacy.

There was a feast of authentic Goan flavours, with participants treated to a variety of freshly made Goan dishes, prepared by dedicated members of the community. 

As music from the open mic performances filled the air, participants enjoyed the rich flavours that reminded them of home.

As part of passing on tradition, Janice and Drina gave a special demonstration and taught the younger generation on the art of preparing Alle Belle, a traditional Goan dessert. The children eagerly participated, learning not just the recipe, but the cultural significance behind this beloved sweet. 

The hands-on experience provided a fun and educational moment, ensuring that these culinary traditions continue to be passed down through generations.

In the game of spirit and tradition, one of the highlights of the day was the traditional Goan ring game, Ringtanim. Played with unbridled enthusiasm, the game is a beloved pastime that sparks both nostalgia and camaraderie among participants. Despite the absence of prize money, the competitive spirit remained high, with players giving their all in pursuit of victory.

“The sense of community was palpable as everyone came together, united by their shared heritage and love for Goan culture. The event was a true reflection of the Goan spirit, combining fun, food, music, and tradition in a way that resonated deeply with all who attended,” said Joseph.

“As the day came to a close, it was clear that the World Goa Day Picnic had once again succeeded in bringing together the CalifornianGoans community, celebrating their roots while creating new memories to cherish for years to come.”

DUBAI-UAE

Dubai Goans will have their World Goa Day celebrations on November 9. The event will include authentic Goan cuisine, kids entertainment and non-stop music from well-known bands and DJs in the Goan entertainment industry. More details to follow.

EDINBURGH-UK

The World Goa Day will be celebrated in Edinburgh, with a dine and dance at St Mathew’s Catholic Church Hall, 36 Carnethie Street, Rosewell, on August 18 from 4 pm to 10 pm.

Music will be presented by the band ‘Black Sapphire’, also featuring Alcantr, with traditional Goan food, games and dance.

EDMONTON-CANADA

The Edmonton Goan Association will celebrate GOAFEST at Sultan Banquet Hall, Edmonton, on September 7 from 6 pm onwards.  The programme includes dinner and dance.

HOUNSLOW-UK

A&G Event Experts, founded by industry certified Goan professionals and Silverdine Banqueting & Conferences, as part of their World Goa Day celebrations, will present the first Goan Aspiring Leaders Awards 2024, at SilverDine Banqueting, Hounslow, UK, on September 7, from 7 pm onwards.

The event will recognise and announce this year’s winners for Best Aspiring Leader Awards for Hospitality, Entrepreneurship, Goan Traditional Heritage. 

The Guest Speaker is Raoul De Souza, GM at Hilton Bankside London, while Rene Barreto will be the Guest of Honour. The Award Presenter will be Vincent J Fernandes, Regional Coordinator of St Vincent De Paul Society. Music will be provided by DJ Afro Mac & Olavo Saxaphonist.

JUFFAIR-BAHRAIN

Ever since its inception in Bahrain in the early 1950s, the Young Goans Club has encapsulated the fundamental values and ethos of Goan language, culture and traditions, which has passed on from generation to generation, into the events and programmes organised throughout the year.

This year, the Young Goans Club will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the World Goa Day along with the traditional Bandra Fair at the Olive Hotel in Juffair on October 11 from noon until 1 am. 

This all-day festival of music, dancing, singing, fun and games, to entertain the young and old, will showcase and revive the charm of the decades-old heritage with its nostalgic moments.  There is a long list of exciting and entertaining activities during the course of the day with main stage performances of cultural dances, Mandos and traditional songs by adults and children. Bustling games stalls will ensure that no one walks away empty handed. 

Various food stalls will be set up in the hall to cater to almost every palate, from traditional home-cooked dishes to the not-so-adventurous Goan on a vegetarian diet.  

With hampers and prizes up for grabs as well as cultural programmes throughout the day, this event ensures the strengthening of Goan identity, while fostering relationships with the broader community in Bahrain. 

MILTON KEYNES-UK

The United Goans of Milton Keynes will celebrate the ‘MK Goa Day’, a Family Fun Day at St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, St Mary’s Ave., Bletchley, Milton Keynes, UK on August 25, from 12 noon to 6 pm. The celebrations include music by DJ Backspin and duo Lancer & Pearl, Goan food, kids entertainment and fun fair.

QUEBEC-CANADA

The Quebec Goan Association will celebrate the ‘World Goa Day Potluck Picnic’ near Beaver Lake Pavilion – Mount Royal Park, 2000 Chem. Remembrance, Montreal, on August 24 from 11 am onwards with lively music & singing and Konkani quizzes, games & prizes.

SYDNEY-AUSTRALIA

The Goan Overseas Association NSW Inc in Sydney will celebrate ‘World Goa Day 2024’ at All Saints Parish Hall in Liverpool, NSW on September 7 from 11 am to 4.30 pm, to ‘Celebrate the Goan Spirit’ and showcase rich Goan culture, dance, music and cuisine.

The event will include nostalgic Konkani and English music for listening and dancing, kids singing and dance performance and Bingo.

Goan cuisine will consist of Sorpotel, Sanna, Xacuti, Pulao, Fish curry and Rice, Prawn Balchao, Pork Vindaloo, Chourico, Chicken Cafreal, Bibinca and Dodol.