Clarence DCruz
Pics: Roshan D'Souza & Roschelle D'Souza
Houston, Dec 23: Houston Konkan Catholic Association (HKCA) celebrated their annual Christmas Gala with great pomp and splendor at Preet Banquet Hall in Houston. The beautifully decorated venue welcomed the guests as they came in to take part in the Christmas festivities.
The guests were given time to settle down and mingle with each other while being treated to a variety of appetizers such as Pakora, Chicken Kabab, Beef Kabab, Chaat etc. There were also soft drinks and delicious tea for guests to help themselves to. Children were kept busy at an activity table with Christmas themed drawings to color. There was also a photobooth for the guests to take pictures with a Christmas themed background. Events director and Emcee of the evening Nisha D’Souza, then started off the proceedings and requested President Ivan D’Souza to welcome the guests. Ivan in his welcome note, extend a warm welcome to everyone present and asked the crowd to take part and enjoy themselves. Thereafter the annual sponsors of HKCA i.e. Shekhar and Stella Naik were introduced to the crowd and were honored with a flower bouquet. It was then time for games and prizes, the first of which was the lucky draw family prize of which they were several throughout the evening. Next was four corners game for kids below 7 and all the young kids enthusiastically participated in the game.
Thereafter Allen D’Souza and Meryl Pinto led the gathering in carol singing and everyone present wholeheartedly participated which brought back nostalgic memories of Christmas. It was then time for a cup game for 8–12-year-olds which the kids had fun participating and winning the prize. This was followed by a Nativity play on the birth of Jesus enacted by young talents Ethan Fernandes, Eliya Fernandes, Nicole D’Souza, Ava D’Souza, Daniel Pinto, Laura Pinto, Xeandra Carvalho, Nicole Pinto, Yannick Fernandes, Xaria Carvalho and Reanne D’Souza. The crowd appreciated the effort of the youngsters and gave them a hearty applause. Santa then made an appearance to the joy of the kids and everyone present and handed over candies and presents to kids. Next were spot prize games for kids, ladies and gentlemen which were eagerly participated and the winners were given prizes. Prizes were also distributed to the early bird ticket raffle winners.
It was then time for dinner. Allen D’Souza led the crowd in saying grace before meals. The buffet dinner had a sumptuous spread of Chicken Kadai, Goat Kurma, Paneer Tikka Masala, Daal Fry, Jeera rice, Kheer, Gajar Halwa etc which was enjoyed by the guests. DJ’s for the evening Sheryl Machado and Aakash Jacob played out some foot tapping numbers and the crowd joined in grooving and dancing to the tunes. There was one last game i.e. Balloon game played for couples which brought some hilarious movements, poses and laughter from those participating.
Finally, it was time for vice president Daniel Sequira to propose a vote of thanks, wherein he thanked everyone who put their efforts in making this event a success and also urged those present to come forward in contributing to HKCA in whatever capacity they can. The music continued post that and the crowd grooved to popular English, Hindi and Konkani numbers. The evening then began to wind down and everyone departing the venue were handed give aways. Photographers Roshan D’Souza and Roschelle D’Souza covered the evening.
All in all, it was truly a memorable event and all those present appreciated getting in person together and celebrating Christmas in a joyous and traditional way as was done before the pandemic.
Anyone interested in joining HKCA can do so by sending details at https://www.hkcaus.org/houston-konkan-catholic-contact-us/. HKCA wishes all a Merry Christmas.
More pictures from the event can be found at https://photos.app.goo.gl/QP2GY2JLkbmgekGz9.