THE GOAN
PANAJI
Abu Dhabi Goans and ADG Events, a group committed to the Goan community of Abu Dhabi since 1983 celebrated their prestigious 7th Dine and Dance ‘World Goa Day 2024’ at the Abu Dhabi Country Club on October 5, with over 500 people on the floor for over 9 hours.
In keeping with their tradition of presenting on the Abu Dhabi stage the best musical talent, Abu Dhabi Goans brought in Goa's legendary ‘Mark Revlon and Band’ and Mumbai’s sensations ‘Reena & Lindsay’, both listed among India’s top performers, to offer a day of entertainment with no stops.
This traditional event, which made its debut in 2015, is a semi-formal ballroom event, and this edition featured Abu Dhabi's home-grown band ‘Symphony’, and Dubai's ‘DJ Roland’ Pacheco.
The high-energy event is amongst the largest and most popular community events in the UAE and draws participation and is organised with the motive of bringing together not just the Goan diaspora, but the Indian and international community to celebrate the true spirit of Goa.
Guest of Honour at the event, Dr Balaji Ramaswamy, Counsellor (Visa & Education) & FAA at the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, commended Abu Dhabi Goans for their active involvement in community welfare and outreach activities within the Emirate as well as the UAE.
Ram Mavlingcar of City Computers LLC felicitated Dr Balaji by presenting him with a traditional shawl.
One of the highlights of the event was the traditional Dekhni performed by seven young Goan ladies. The dancers performed one of the best known Dekhni songs ‘Hanv Saiba Poltoddi Voitam’.
Dr Balaji lauded the performance of the dancers and appreciated the interest and commitment of the youngsters in keeping alive traditional art forms.
Later, Dr Balaji felicitated the sponsors and also recognised Olinto Da Costa for his long and committed service to Abu Dhabi Goans and the Goan community.
No Goan event would be complete without a sumptuous meal topped by the decadent Chicken Xacuti as well as bowlfuls of fresh ‘chonne’ and ‘biknam’ from Goa's famed Friday Market at Mapusa.
MC Perviz and MC Joaquim of Abu Dhabi were the mood-setters for the event.
The organisers reiterated their commitment to serving the Goan diaspora through various sociocultural and educational activities, recognition of outstanding community members, promotion of the youth, networking for social welfare, job outreach, and socio-cultural awareness programs.
World Goa Day is celebrated by the Goan diaspora on August 20 to commemorate the inclusion of Konkani in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution by the Indian Parliament on August 20, 1992.
The Abu Dhabi Goans have planned a number of activities in the pipeline, which include the Feast of St Francis Xavier on December 3, followed by Christmas celebrations and the grand ‘Viva Goa, Viva Carnaval’ early next year, followed by ‘Viva Sao Joao’.
