Christmas celebration by UK Konkans

December is by far the best month of the year especially for children. Come December and preparations are in full swing all over the world to make way the arrival of Jesus Christ. UK is no exception and UK Konkans, as a leading Association for Mangalorean Konkans in the UK, made sure that 6^th December 2009 was remembered as one of the best days among it’s several other events. Damp weather and chilly breeze failed to prevent people to arrive early at the Addlestone Community Centre. Guests were greeted with the traditional Mangalorean breakfast and hot beverages.

The event started with the young and energetic Master of Ceremony - Walter Lobo welcoming the sponsor Mr Ramesh Acharya (Innanje), proprietor of R A Contractors, special guests Mr Richard Lobo, one of the most successful and leading entrepreneurs of Mangalorean origin, and his wife Mrs Christine Lobo. He welcomed the guests who arrived at the venue on time despite bad weather and transport difficulties.

Like any other auspicious event, Christmas day started with Christmas carols by the Office Bearers and their children both in English and Konkani with background score by young Elton D’Souza

Children greeted Santa Clause with claps and jingle bells carol. Santa with his customary bag full of gifts entertained the children and who were then joined by adults to accompany Santa for the march past followed by a waltz.

Welwin Lobo and Royceston D’Souza conducted the passing the parcel for children with some twist and Royceston D’Souza cut the cake to mark his 18^th Birthday.

Dances by young Tia, Ria and Michaela were greeted with loud applause from the crowd. Abigail sang beautiful songs.

One of the highlights of the day was fashion show from Konkans young ladies. The show was conceptualised and directed by Ashunta Periera. Glimpse of Indian diversity could be seen from the costumes worn by these beautiful models of the day - Shina in Bengali, Lavita in Gujarathi, Violet in Maharstrian, Janet in Keralite, Ashuntha in Kurgi, and Roshni in Mangalorean style took to the ramp to the continuous applause from the crowd. As a jewel on the crown little children Deona, Simona and Aaron joined the ladies dressed as young Brahmin Children.

Christmas lunch consisting of a variety of dishes prepared by well known Mangalorean Chef Krishna Poojari supported by Simon Martis was served with pork cooked by UK Konkans office bearers.

Raphael D’Souza thanked the sponsor Ramesh Acharya and Compere Walter Lobo for his excellent compering. Special thanks were given to Mr & Mrs Richard Lobo for taking time from their busy schedule and supporting the event with their presence and kind donation. Ramesh Acharya and Mrs & Mr Lobo were felicitated on stage. He also thanked the Office bearers, performers and children for their contribution to make the event successful and all the guests for their unending support and cooperation.

The highlight of the event was the group dance by the beautiful ladies to the tune of various medley numbers who were well encouraged by the crowd with their wistles and cheering. The dance was well choreographed by Shina. The dance, in responses to the shouts of ‘Once more, Once more’ was re-enacted on public demand.

Eric entertained the crowd by conducting the ‘Queen of Mangalore’ game and Mrs Christine Lobo, as Queen of Mangalore, wisely selected the winning team for all-round performance of enacting the Mangalorean marriage ritual.

Melwyn Vaz and Walter Lobo conducted the Lucky Dip and Tambola.

The final item on the Agenda for the event was UK Konkans trade mark non-stop ‘Baila’ which brought the young and old on to the dance floor.

As the saying goes ‘All’s well that ends well’, people congratulated the office bearers for organising yet another memorable event.

Click here for Album 1

Click here for Album 2

Click here for Album 3