PANAJI
The Young Goans Club Bahrain (YGC), recognised as the only registered Goan club under Bahrain's Ministry of Social Development (MOSD), brought the spirit of Goa to life with a World Goa Day 2024 celebration at The Olive 4-Star Hotel.
This event, which drew over 300 attendees, were treated to an exhilarating mix of music, dance, and cultural performances. Guests travelled from Goa, Qatar, Kuwait, and Dubai, reflecting the event’s broad appeal and importance.
The event began with a performance by the popular local band ‘3 Notes’, setting an uplifting tone for the rest of the programme.
A choreographed cha-cha-cha dance followed, performed by a group of young Goan dancers under the direction of Ms. Tina Moniz. This performance, themed as a love story, began with ‘Lovely Esta’ by Alfred Rose, where young men at a fiesta invite lovely girls to dance. The piece transitioned into ‘Kithlo Sobith Nach Tho Cha Cha Cha’, a Mangalorean song by Vincent Fernandes, where the girls responded, filling the performance with a graceful and joyful exchange of affection.
Among the highlights of the evening was the heartwarming Mini Goenkar Kids' Parade. Embracing the theme ‘Our Goa’, the parade celebrated Goan heritage, with children dressed in traditional attire, bringing cherished Goan customs to life.
The night continued to soar with a live performance from O’luv Rodrigues, a celebrated Goan Konkani pop singer, who had travelled from Goa especially for the event. His performance of original songs and popular Goan hits kept the audience on their feet, singing and dancing along, creating an exhilarating and festive atmosphere.
Adding another layer of tradition, ‘Bahrainche Mandekar’ delivered a soulful rendition of the traditional Goan Mando, titled ‘Soglench Mhojem Vidu Chintunum’. The Mando performance, with musical arrangement by Juvina Picardo, honoured the legacy of legendary composer Lourdino Barreto and captivated the audience with its authenticity and emotional depth.
Distinguished guests who graced the event included Curtorim MLA and Chairman of Goa Industrial Development Corporation Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, and Prashant Korgaonkar, a respected Goan hotelier and owner of the acclaimed FatFish restaurant and a resort chain.
The YGC organizing team, sponsors, and the local Goan community ensured that the World Goa Day 2024 was a success, creating an unforgettable event that celebrated Goan culture, strengthened community bonds, and honoured traditions.
