Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Warm Welcome to watch  – Kantar Fiesta 2025

With immense joy, pride and festive fervour, St. Peter’s Association (Barkur), Mumbai, warmly welcomes all Barkurians across the globe to its 5th Konkani Online Musical Extravaganza – “Kantar Fiesta 2025”, presented in association with “The Expressions”, as part of the celebration of its 37th Annual Day, on Sunday, 28th December 2025 at 8.00 pm.

Kantar Fiesta 2025 promises an entertaining and soul-stirring evening of music, dance, comedy and vibrant performances, celebrating the richness of Konkani culture and local talent. The programme will be broadcast live on YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook, connecting Barkurians worldwide and transforming distance into delightful togetherness.

The story of Barkurians in Mumbai is a proud and inspiring one. For over two centuries, Barkurians have had a well-recorded presence in Bombay. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, efforts were made to form an association. A major organised setup emerged in 1939, enjoying its golden phase till 1964. The Gulf exodus thereafter compelled the association to remain dormant until 1984.

A revival dawned with the enthusiasm and commitment of young Barkurians trained under CYM, guided by stalwarts like Rev. Fr. Henry D’Souza, Late Rev. Fr. Patrick Rodrigues, and others. This vibrant movement, now standing at the threshold of its Golden Jubilee celebrations (1976–2026), reorganised under the banner of SPCYA, actively engaging in social and cultural service.

A historic milestone was achieved on 17th April 1988, with the formation of the present St. Peter’s Association, Barkur – Mumbai, bringing together three generations of native Barkurians. Since then, SPA has marched ahead with unwavering dedication, organising a wide spectrum of socio-cultural, literary and educational programmes, benefitting Barkurians both in Mumbai and in their beloved hometown, Barkur.

Over the years, SPA has successfully organised more than a hundred programmes and mega events, featuring renowned artists across languages, especially Konkani, and showcasing talent through drama, musical nights, films and cultural performances. These events have been staged at prestigious venues, including Shanmukhananda Hall, Asia’s largest auditorium, often drawing record-breaking audiences.

Even during the challenging times of Covid, SPA did not remain silent. It reinvented itself with the launch of Kantar Fiesta as an online live musical show, which became an instant hit, reaffirming the association’s innovative spirit and resilience.

This year’s edition, scheduled on 28th December 2025, will be a worldwide celebration, held under the able leadership of the dynamic President Mr. Eric L. Carvalho and his dedicated team. The programme is creatively designed by Kishoo Barkur, supported by seasoned professionals, bringing the best and richest talent to the virtual stage.

Kantar Fiesta is not merely an entertainment programme; it is also a fundraising initiative supporting SPA Mumbai’s social welfare activities, including educational scholarships and medical aid for the needy, thus blending joy with purpose.

We invite you and your families to join us, participate, encourage our artistes and celebrate our shared heritage. Let us come together to relive memories, create new ones, and strengthen the bonds that unite Barkurians across continents.

Welcome to Kantar Fiesta 2025 – where music meets tradition, talent meets togetherness, and Barkur lives on… worldwide!

P. Archibald Furtado.