Photo Credits: Neil Rodrigues
ABU DHABI
More than 600 UAE Goans and community members packed the Abu Dhabi Country Club ballroom on October 21 to mark the 6th edition of the Abu Dhabi Goans (ADG) 'World Goa Day 2023' in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Instituted to commemorate the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution on August 20, 1992, ‘World Goa Day’ is a celebration of ‘Goa’ and the ‘Goan identity’ across the globe.
The crowd enjoyed a memorable day with almost non-stop music and dancing with plenty of prizes and surprises and a welcome ‘kunlem’ filled with the delectable mango ‘koromb’ – a traditional water pickle.
Goan singing sensation Mark Revlon Fernandes, performing for the first time in Abu Dhabi, with his passion and charisma set the stage on fire and stole the hearts of the crowd.
Mark had the packed floor accompanying him in all-time Konkani favourites like 'Selina' and 'Dis Udhelo' performed in his signature style.
Acclaimed Goan band ‘Lynx’ set the bar of music high throughout the evening finally closing the show with a set that not just demonstrated the band's music, but also their showmanship. Abu Dhabi's very own popular young Goan band ‘La Vida’ rocked the dancing crowd with renditions of their and the crowd’s favourite music. Symphony 'the Band', yet another perfect blend of UAE talent, also ensured that the revellers never left the dance floor.
Members of ADG, in keeping with tradition, had the crowd laughing with a short Tiatr-style skit that yet carried a powerful social message. Keen to promote young talent, ADG staged the young and talented violin and ballet virtuoso, Niann Fernandes, who held the audience spellbound. Gabriel Fernandes, a senior member of the Goan community was felicitated for his commitment and contribution to the Goan diaspora in the UAE.
The charismatic and energetic Perviz De Souza and Goa's very own MC Felix set the tone for the eventful day with their witty repertoire and tit-bits of lending to Goan cultural awareness.
Neil Rodrigues of Photooneil Photography, Abu Dhabi, was kept on his feet by the crowd and made sure that the event's precious and treasured moments were captured on camera.
As part of its 'Committed to the Community' initiative, ADG organises three major events in Abu Dhabi, 'World Goa Day', 'Viva Sa Joao' and 'Viva Goa, Viva Carnaval', in addition to other activities through the year.
The events are organised on a non-profit basis with an explicit objective of bringing together the Goan diaspora, showcasing Goan culture, art, tradition and talent, and keep alive the love for our mother tongue – Konkani.
ADG has expressed gratitude to its supporters and well-wishers who made the show possible through their generosity, and to the community who is always there to make every celebration an unforgettable experience, with their camaraderie, energy and joie de vivre - keeping the essence of Goenkarponn always alive.
