Mangalorean Konkans in Nottingham ( UK ) Celebrate Easter

Nottingham (UK), 13 April 2009 – Under the flagship of “Mangalorean United Konkani Association” (MUKA), the Mangalorean Catholics living in Nottingham celebrated the Easter with much religious fervour and cultural gusto. The event was held at the Bramcote Hall, Nottingham and was attended by more than 140 people. A day long programme with people from different ages and profession were helped to reconnect their Konkani and Mangalorean roots. The attendees came not only from far away places but also the members of Konkani Catholic Association, Manchester and UK Konkans, London.

The Easter Sunday programme commenced with the Holy Eucharist celebrated in aputt Konkani by Rev Frs. Roshan Pinto and Olvin Veigas SJ, supported by Nottingham’s melodious choir group. In his homily Fr. Roshan said “Jesus Christ saved humankind from the eternal condemnation of hell and gained forgiveness for our sins by submitting himself on the cross on Good Friday. He died on Good Friday and rose on Easter Sunday to give new hope and life to those believe in him.”

Soon after the Mass, Mr. Deepak Alvares, President of the Association welcomed the gathering by highlighting MUKA’s success story as a Mangalorean Konkani Organization in the Diaspora. It is the 4^th successful year where the Easter is celebrated in Nottingham with such cultural pomp and religious fervour. The secretary of the association Mr. Vincent D'souza placed before the gathering the annual report and the Treasurer Mr. Lancy D'souza the financial report.

A four hour long cultural programme was compeered by Mr. Jeevan Menezes. Both adults and children performed variety of dances, skits, etc., on a well decorated stage which was set up by Walter Rodrigues “Walts Decor’’. Shalini Pinto and Dorothy Prakash gave Easter theme dance, thrilling Folk dance “Adavm Bapa” was performed by Deepak Alvares, John Fernandes, Vincent D'souza, Pius D'souza, Harry D'souza, and Stany Sequira. A variety of Bollywood dances were also performed by Melvia D'souza, Jessica Aranha, Riona Buthello, Dorothy Prakash, Deena Pereira, Sunitha Rodrigues, Cynthia Noronha, Anitha D'silva, Rachel D'silva, and Fiona D'silva. The Konkani dance was performed by Lynette, Diana, Lavina, and Reena of KCA Group. Sunil D'cunha acted a stand-up comedy while Vincent D'souza, Deepak Alvares, Anitha Alvares, Sidney Pereira, Stany Sequiera, and Anitha Sequiera acted out a Konkani drama called “Gasparachi Guspod.” Another short Konkni play was acted by Rony Lobo and Vinod Barboza of KCA Group. A superb Konkani folk dance was performed by John Fernades and Anitha Sequiera which caught much of the attention of the crowd. The Baila dance at the end helped all those who could not go up to the stage to make steps to the tune.

Apart from the cultural programme, the gathering was enriched with cakes and soft drinks followed by delicious dinner in the afternoon. The sumptuous Mangalorean style dinner and other delicacies were prepared by the Members of MUKA under the able leadership of Harry D'souza, Wilfred Rodrigues, Walter Rodrigues, and Roopa D'souza.

John Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks at the end and the whole crowd joined singing “Somyak Deenvasuya” for having spent such an eventful and colourful day.

All those who were present felt that the way the whole day was organized, showed unity and availability of the members in spite of having families and work stress. MUKA plans to conduct further programmes to promote and foster unity and oneness among the Mangalorean families living in the UK.

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