Amchi Mati, Amchi Bhas celebrations the world-over

Goa Day is synonymous the world over for uniting the Goan diaspora in a bid to preserve and promote the State’s culture and traditions

| AUGUST 19, 2018, 09:13 PM IST

BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO 


A brain-child of UK-based octogenarian, Rene Barreto, World Goa Day (WGD) commemorates the inclusion of Konkani as one of the official languages of India. Though the official date for the celebration is on August 20, 2000 since it began on the day in 2000, for practical reasons, the occasion is celebrated on or around the date. From its humble beginnings in its first year, with celebrations in only four places including Goa, a Global Alliances of Goan Associations was formed in time spanning across the Middle East, Europe, Oceania, Africa, North America, Singapore, apart from India.  

“This year’s theme for World Goa Day’s global celebrations is “Amchi Mati, Amchi Bhas. The global celebrations are dedicated to our Goan women worldwide who have been high achievers in their respective fields and contributing to the Global Goan community spirit,” revealed Savio Ribeiro, coordinator with the WGD global working team. 

In Goa, this year, it is being celebrated on August 25 in Benaulim. “Through this year’s event in Goa, we intend to make the new generation realise the olden days. We will go local with fishing which is going to be fun. The kids will also get an opportunity to learn cane-making. There will be ghumot playing too. Village games which made our grandparents astute like marbles, hide and seek, seven tiles will also be played,” well-known fashion designer, Verma D’Mello enthused.  

TG Life also had a look on how World Goa Day is celebrated elsewhere in the world.  

UK

“I am not sure about the first World Goa Day celebrations in the UK. I remember attending one organised by Fiona Lobo many years back. We have not had a WGD celebration for many years now,” divulged Ravi Vaz, president, Goan Association (UK). 

California

“The Californian Goans’ World Goa Day 2018 was celebrated on August 6 staying in line with the Amchi Mati Amchi Bhas theme made sure to present all our freshly cooked Goan food in traditional Goan pots. We had only Konkani music at open mic and encouraged all participants to highlight Goan traditions and introduce themselves in Konkani,” Lourenco said.  

New Jersey 

The last many years Invictus Films Incorporated based in New York has been involved with promoting the Goan culture. For the very first time the WGD is being organized in the New York/ New Jersey/ Philadelphia tri-state area on September 23. “For World Goa Day to be held at Rochelle Park, New Jersey, we have several activities planned for all ages. This will include live music, dancing, fancy dress competition, talent shows, one-act plays and game stalls,” divulged an enterprising Effie Tavares.  

Sydney 

“This year the WGD is on August 19 and we will have stalls named after traditional Goan clay cooking pots, clay utensils and clay musical instruments. The cultural component of the WGD will comprise of a Mando singing competition,” mentioned Alwyn Henriques, president, Goan Overseas Association, NSW.  

Melbourne

“The Goan Association of Australia Inc celebrates “Goenkarponn” or Goa Day. This year we will celebrate it on August 26. Our Goa Day will be celebrated with an authentic Goan meal cooked by our members. We will have a band in attendance which will play our favourite Konkani music. We have plans to incorporate the Konkani language in our function,” disclosed Gerard Lobo, association president.

Brisbane

“Every year we showcase the Goan talent in the Club with skit, dance and song. This is followed by dance with music provided by the DJ. This year, on august 25, we are providing subsidised Goan menu so as to attract more people to learn about Goan food and culture,” stated Randolf O Kelly, president of Club de Goa, Brisbane.

Perth

“The Goans of Perth are delighted to celebrate World Goa Day on August 26 under the umbrella of the local chapter of the Overseas Goan Association. This is the first time and hopefully will continue to be a yearly feature. The day will be celebrated with local Goans showcasing their talent singing Konkani songs and our traditional mandos and dulpods. There will be authentic Goan food on sale as well,” said Anne Lewis Mascarenhas, president, GOA WA, Perth

Nairobi

In Nairobi, this year’s event promises to be a weekend of splendid entertainment. “Lorna, the Nightingale of Goa will grace our stage at the Goan Institute on August 25, while the famous Joanne Fernandes from Goa will also be on stage in Kenya for the very first time to enthrall us with her talent. Norman Cardozo will accompany them and promises to kick start our World Goa day celebrations with great pomp,” mentioned Lily-Anne Fernandes, secretary, Goan Welfare Society. 

“On August 26 (Sunday), we will commence our day with Holy Mass complete with Konkani hymns as we pray for our community, our unity and peace. As we are focusing on women this year - we will also pray for all the Women in our community for grace and favour. The Mass will be followed with a luncheon - a Goan delightful buffet. Our event will have a Raffle where exciting prizes are up for grabs as well as a Tinto that will sell Goan treats,” Fernandes added.


Bahrain

“We shall herald WGD this year in conjunction with the Bandra Fair celebrations on  September 21. The all day event celebrating this year’s global theme will comprise of a variety of games and food stalls serving Goan delicacies. There will be a full Goan brass band accompanying many well presented traditional Goan folklore dances. It will also see Konkani skits and a children band besides children’s individual and group singing in Konkani,” stated Noel Fernandes, president,  Young Goans Club, Bahrain.  

“The World Goa Day events are celebrated ranging from as individual to family or families, Goan Associations, Goan special purpose groups (eg youth groups, professional groups), Village Associations, and Goan restaurants. Every Goan is encouraged to celebrate World Goa Day along with their non Goan friends. For restaurants in Goa and the world over the Traditional Goan Food Festival week is proposed between August 19- 25 every year, revealed the 82-year- old Founder-President WGD Rene Barreto.  

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