World Goa Day was started by the World
Alliance of Goan Associations on August 20, 2000 for Goans across the globe to
celebrate their culture and heritage. It was the vision of Rene Barreto to
unite Goans spread across the world on this particular day that gained momentum
over the years to become the grand event that World Goa Day is. This event is
celebrated by Goan associations in various countries, globally.
Karachi, PAKISTAN
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
In Karachi, Pakistan Debbie Santamaria is
the President of the Goinkars Own Academy (GOA) and the General Secretary of
World Goa Day. The association organised a day out at a farmhouse to celebrate
World Goa Day in Karachi on August 14, 2015. “This year, the Executive
Committee decided that the members and well-wishers of GOA should give back to
Goa. The initiative of a food festival came into being to generate funds for
Marium School, a school for the underprivileged. A mini Goa was set up in St
Anthony’s Church, taking one down memory lane,” says Debbie. Food stalls
included Goan appetisers, main course and desserts. The day commenced with the
singing of the National Anthem of Pakistan as it was the country’s Independence
Day, followed by Konkani songs.
Toronto, CANADA
The World Goa Day celebrations were a huge
success at Viva Goa, Toronto on August 8, 2015, under the leadership of Selwyn
Collaco, President of the new GOA Association committee. “My vision is to
create a sustainable platform to enrich the lives of Goans through arts,
culture, sports and heritage, in the Greater Toronto area,” says Selwyn. Viva
Goa kicked off with a performance by Sonia Shirsat, who was backed by Goan
Canadian band Goa Amigos. The Dekhni and Kunbhi dances were performed by the
GOA Kidz Club and the West End seniors. There were also games like soccer,
volleyball and carom by Carrom Canada. There were food stalls that sold
‘chourico pao’ as well as ‘kaddio bodio’. The event was a truly authentic Goan
experience that had nearly 3,000 Goans brimming with pride for their heritage
and culture.
California, USA
Californiangoans Club was formed in 2005
with just 5-7 members and has now grown to 120 members. “We at Californiangoans
raise funds through stall games, housie and our annual raffle draw which is held
on San Joao Day every year. We had our first WGD as part of the
Californiangoans Sports Day in 2010. Starting last year, we decided to switch
over to a WGD Picnic,” says Joseph Lourenco, President of the association. The event was a Goan potluck as members
shared Goan dishes. They sang Konkani songs with live music by Poco Locos,
comprising Savio Rodrigues, Randolfo Dias and Janice Lopes. Games included Goan
traditional ring game and football tie breaker.
Hawally, KUWAIT
In Kuwait, Celebrate Entertainment has
taken the initiative to bring Lorna with her magic to Kuwait. Led by Cheslee
D’Souza, his team is involved in uniting the expatriate community in Kuwait to
engage in promoting cultural and social welfare. As part of World Goa Day, an
evening of performances and activities will be held on August 28, 2015 at the
AIS Auditorium at Hawally, Kuwait. The performance will be led by the powerful
voice of Lorna. “She is the song of so many hearts and the reason why we hear
Konkani music,” says Jenny D’Souza, a member of the team.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
World Goa Day will be celebrated in Abu
Dhabi for the first time on August 21, 2015 at the Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi.
Organised by Abu Dhabi Goans, a group of Goan families, the event will have two
bands – ‘La Vida’, a Goan Abu Dhabi-based band and ‘A26’, a Goan band – as well
as a Mando performance, solo acts and folk dances with a round of housie. A
souvenir on Goa has also been designed. The emcees for the show will be Perviz
De Souza and Avito Carvalho.
