Dolcy D’Cruz
The ukulele, with its small size and bright, cheerful tone, carries a unique charm that feels instantly uplifting. Originating in Hawaii, it has become a symbol of warmth and simplicity. Its four strings make it easy to learn, yet expressive enough for beautiful melodies. Songs like ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Riptide’ showcase its gentle, breezy sound, while ‘I’m Yours’ reflects its relaxed spirit. The ukulele invites anyone to play, turning simple chords into heartfelt music. Its charm lies in its ability to create joy, connection, and a sense of ease. Mahalo Ukulele Festival, India’s only ukulele-focused festival, returns to Mandrem on March 21, bringing together musicians, families, beginners and music lovers for a relaxed day of workshops, performances and community celebration. The day-long festival will include workshops, open mic, performances and a community market. Held at Jamboree Creek Yoga Resort in Mandrem, the festival remains intentionally small and family-friendly, with attendance capped to preserve its intimate, community-led spirit. Now in its sixth year, Mahalo Ukulele Festival is a small, grassroots festival known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere organised by Christina Fernandes, mother of Keaton, Aliya and Lucia, as all three children have been a part of the festival since its first edition in 2019. “Mahalo was created as a space where people feel comfortable showing up as they are. You don’t need to be a musician to attend, many people come just to listen, learn or spend the day with family. Mahalo inspires and humbles me year after year.
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It’s a day that is so full of joy and community and I feel that is such a gift to be able to share ukulele music with so many wonderful people. I’m really proud if the community we have built.” says Mahalo founder Christina Fernandes. Mahalo co-founder Anirban Halder adds, “Mahalo is such a happy festival. By the end of it, my cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much.” Christina’s 12-year-old daughter Lucia Fernandes, has attended all Mahalos since 2019), “Mahalo is really fun because you get to meet all these other musicians. Performing at Mahalo is fun because nobody judges you when you make mistakes,” she says. The one-day festival features ukulele workshops, open mic sessions, live performances, and a small community market, all set against the backdrop of Mandrem’s peaceful backwaters. Visitors are welcome to participate actively or simply enjoy the music and atmosphere. The live performers will include Vaisakh Somanath, Neel Adhikari, Natashha Carroll, Christina Fernandes, Anirban Halder, Kaviya S, Luv Mahtani, Akshay Chowdry, Pune Uke Club, Eden Mehdiabadi, Aliya Fernandes and Keaton Fernandes. Luv Mahtani is a ukulele teacher and performer from Pune and also the founder and director of Pune Uke Club. “Mahalo Ukulele Festival has been like a yearly pilgrimage for the Pune Uke Club. I personally have been attending it since the first edition and it’s an environment like no other. It’s warm, wholesome, inclusive and so encouraging to all musicians. I’m so grateful for the opportunity the festival provides me to perform, teach and engage a new audience with my ukulele,” says Luv. Akshay Chowdry, a performer at the festival since the last three editions says, “It’s been incredible to watch it grow into something truly special, this fourth edition feels like a milestone. There’s something so powerful about seeing the ukulele celebrated on this scale, as a serious and expressive instrument.
Over the years, I’ve really honed my own sound and expanded my repertoire, and this time I’m excited to bring that evolution to the stage. I’m also collaborating with an incredible young drummer from Kochi, which is going to add a whole new energy to the set.” joy and community and I feel that is such a gift to be able to share ukulele music with so many wonderful people. I’m really proud if the community we have built.” says Mahalo founder Christina Fernandes. Mahalo co-founder Anirban Halder adds, “Mahalo is such a happy festival. By the end of it, my cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much.” Christina’s 12-year-old daughter Lucia Fernandes, has attended all Mahalos since 2019), “Mahalo is really fun because you get to meet all these other musicians. Performing at Mahalo is fun because nobody judges you when you make mistakes,” she says. The one-day festival features ukulele workshops, open mic sessions, live performances, and a small community market, all set against the backdrop of Mandrem’s peaceful backwaters. Visitors are welcome to participate actively or simply enjoy the music and atmosphere. The live performers will include Vaisakh Somanath, Neel Adhikari, Natashha Carroll, Christina Fernandes, Anirban Halder, Kaviya S, Luv Mahtani, Akshay Chowdry, Pune Uke Club, Eden Mehdiabadi, Aliya Fernandes and Keaton Fernandes. Luv Mahtani is a ukulele teacher and performer from Pune and also the founder and director of Pune Uke Club. “Mahalo Ukulele Festival has been like a yearly pilgrimage for the Pune Uke Club.
I personally have been attending it since the first edition and it’s an environment like no other. It’s warm, wholesome, inclusive and so encouraging to all musicians. I’m so grateful for the opportunity the festival provides me to perform, teach and engage a new audience with my ukulele,” says Luv. PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY 10 am – 6:30 pm Open mics 10 am – 10 pm Workshops and festival market 10:30 am – 11:30 am Yogalele v 11:45 am – 12:45 pm Tiny Strums 1 pm – 2 pm Paint the Sound 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm Ukulele Body Tuning 3 pm – 4 pm Intuitive Songwriting 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm Two Chords One Melody 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm Experimental Uke Lab 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Uke Grooves 7 pm -10 pm Live performances Akshay Chowdry, a performer at the festival since the last three editions says, “It’s been incredible to watch it grow into something truly special, this fourth Natasha Carroll, ukulele artist and workshop facilitator informs, “Mahalo is the one time in the year where I get to truly be myself, surrounded by the most wonderful ukulele players. Every year, I look forward to being surrounded by the positive and joyful energy that the festival always delivers. It has a special place in my heart and I’m sure anyone who attends will feel the same way.” For ukulele artist and workshop facilitator Vaisakh Somanath, this will be his fourth time playing at Mahalo Ukulele Festival, “Coming to Goa just for this every year has become a part of my life now. Mahalo is nothing like the usual music festival you see. It is community-driven and wholesome with lots of joy and love being shared. I think that’s what ukuleles are truly meant for. For me Mahalo simply feels like family and playing for family is always a pleasure.” In contrast to large commercial music festivals, Mahalo Ukulele Festival welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, ranging from beginners and children to experienced performers, encouraging everyone to share the same stage and space.
