Media Release

Nottingham, Apr 4: Mangalorean United Konkani Association, Nottingham (MUKA) celebrated Easter 2013 with pomp and religious fervor at Bramcote Hall Nottingham. They were joined in the celebration by KCA Manchester, UK Konkans and Mangaloreans from London, Wembley, Bristol, and Leicester.

The Mass to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ was offered by Fr Richard Rego SJ. The MUKA choir group conducted by Deepak Alvares and his team did a wonderful job and involved the full participation of the congregation. He was ably supported on keyboard by Jesvita, Averil and John.  The offertory collection was donated to poor children’s education fund run by Christian Brothers, Mangalore.  After the Eucharistic celebration, gathered members shared Easter joy by wishing each other prosperity. The occasion was enriched with cakes and soft drinks.

The cultural activities began with MUKA president Stany Sequeira welcoming the gathering. He introduced MUKA and its objective as a community establishment, its ideals, values and the necessity to keep our Mangalorean traditions alive. The gathering was welcomed with a spectacular traditional Bharatanatyam dance by Monica, Bharathi and Angelina from Leicester followed by a fusion dance by the little angels Erica, Alrica, Jennifer, Averil, Hailey, and Jesvita to the tune of “Heyo Heyo” a Konkani song by Kevin Misquith.

The comedy skit was performed by, Pius Rasquinha, Jeevan, Anitha Menezes and Anitha Alvares which made the crowd burst into laughter. A solo dance ‘One Direction’ was performed by Elita Fernandes from Bristol. Valerian Alva beautifully sung a Konkani Song which inspired many others to come forward to show their talent. Fiona and Riana from Birmingham performed dance Radha Teri Chunri from the film- Student of the Year (2012) this gave an opportunity for the budding talent to display their skills and secure a loud round of applause from the audience.

A traditional delicious Mangalorean style meal was served, cooked by Conrad Aranha, Anitha Alvares, Irene Rasquinha, Nympha Alvares, Anitha Menezes, Flossy Sequeira and Anitha Sequeira. During the lunch break the crowd was entertained by Ancita D’Souza from Swansea, Edward Fernandes from Bristol and Averil Alvares from Nottingham. The duet dance was performed by Deepak Alvares & Anita Sequeira to the tune “Eh Chedva Tujo Mog Haven Kela” and was a flawless performance that won the hearts and minds of people gathered. The skit “Boro Burgo” enacted by Deepak and Flossy was also hilarious. Another comedy played by Stany, Vincy and John. After the lunch break “Gangnam Style” was presented by Hailey, Jesvita and Averil.
 
The day long programme was anchored by talented Jessica Aranha and Jeevan Menezes.  The vice president of MUKA Anitha Menezes gave her thanks carefully choosing each and everyone responsible for the success of this grand event. Housie-Housie was played and subsequently the prizes were distributed to the winners.
 
The organizers thanked MUKA members for their support and generosity, and conveyed special gratitude to Valerian Alva, London for his overwhelming support and encouragement.

The program was concluded by singing “Laudatte Dominum” by all the members present. MUKA thanks all members and guest members from Bristol, London, South-end-sea, Birmingham, Manchester, Swansea, Newcastle and Leicester for their presence and entertaining the crowd with dance and songs.

The Baila dance at the end was enjoyed by all those who could not go up to the stage and do the steps.