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Karaval Konkans Australia creates History with the Christmas Spectacular “Ek Nathalaanchi Saanz” at Melbourne

15 December 2024 will go down in the history of the Konkani speaking community of Australia as one to remember. What started with the Mai So Kuswar workshop  in November 2024 culminated in Ek Nathalaanchi Saanz 2024 at Melbourne with a record turnout of over 300 like-minded individuals for a Konkani community Christmas event across Australia.

The day began with a prayer to the Almighty led by Joe Sequeira. Following this,  Christmas themed fancy dress was conducted for children. Over thirty young kids participated, all dressed up in costumes. It was indeed heartening to see some of the kids take the stage and give their best through their costumes, sharing the true spirit of Christmas with the world.

What followed was an enthralling session of Christmas Carols by a group of carollers across all ages. The icing on the cake was the Konkani carols sung by everyone that surely got everyone present nostalgic about Christmas memories back home. The musicians did a great job accompanying the singers whose voices blended so melodiously with the music. When it’s the yuletide season and carols all around, Santa cannot be far and to the delight of all the children gathered, Santa Claus made the much-awaited entry sharing goodies with everyone.

The program had Mitin Arora (The Agents) as the Chief guest. Mitin has been a strong supporter of the community for many years and leads a real estate organisation that is working across commercial and residential real estate in addition o consulting services.

Everyone was in for a surprise when two individuals were honoured on stage. Mrs. Celine D’Souza was felicitated for leading the Mai So Kuswar workshop that has gained so much popularity. Konkani’s own famous son, Prajoth D’Sa was also felicitated for being part of the team that has been nominated for the third time (winners twice earlier) for the Grammy Awards 2024.

It is said the Konkani speaking community from the coastal (Karaval) region is blessed in talent. What transpired for the next hour during the event was talent at its best - no showbiz, no laser shows rather pure talent in the form of song and dance that really had the guests shellshocked yet yearning for more. Hula hoops, dances, musical recitals, karaoke and live singing all from the young ones of the Karaval Konkans Australia family giving us the conviction that the future is bright for the Konkani speaking community in Australia. The level of performance displayed could possibly have been part of some of the top talent shows in Australia.

The American Auction conducted by MC Manoj Dsilva generated great interest among the audience that the volunteers found it difficult to keep pace with the bids. Guests also had the opportunity to participate in the raffle which gave the winners fabulous gifts.

In a world where we order or cater food for the smallest crowd, the Karaval Konkans Australia Committee decided to cook for all the guests a traditional meal just as what was done back home.

Kuswar prepared during Mai So Kuswar was beautifully wrapped and distributed to each family. Cakes, Kuswar, Pork bafat that was available for purchase was sold out within a few minutes.

A fantastic dance session by DJ Shane including the Baila, Pili, Line dancing, and all popular numbers, had every guest yearning for more.
The event’s success could be summed up in the words of some of the guests who said they did not realis that five hours had passed by so quickly while others felt that the platform that KKA was a completely new way of showcasing talent that otherwise would not have been known.

KKA committee wishes is grateful to all the sponsors, well wishes, supporters and volunteers without who this event would not have been possible. The committee has planned various events for the coming year and looks forward to creating memories with all Konkani speaking community members across Australia.

KKA thanks every guest who were part of this historic “Ek Natalaanchi Saanz”, actively participating and support everyone as one big family truly demonstrating the essence of being a family away from home.