by Richie Lasrado - Resident Editor, Daijiworld.com, Mangalore (MB)
Pics by Rajesh D'Souza / Vivek Studio

Mangalore, Dec 3: The best of the Konkani Yuva Mahotsav was presented in the form of Moineali Manchi (Monthly Theatre) in the Kalaangann amphitheatre in Shaktinagar on Sunday night.

The winners of three slots in that order

It also marked the 60th edition of the monthly programmes in the complex. Mandd Sobhann organization has completed 20 years, Kalaangann 5 years and the two events coincided with the 60th edition. What better way to celebrate when the dates coincided with a weekend as well?

Panel of jury - Raghavendra Rao, Irene Rebello and Melvin Peris

Impressive dances, off-stage and on-stage

The finalists were Mongllurchim Motiam (The Pearls of Mangalore), St Aloysius College section and St Aloysius Pre University section. And they won the rankings in that order, with Mongllurchim Motiam winning the trophy as the best troupe.

The 'roce' ceremony in a skit

The audience included Barbara Roeber from Germany who loves everything about Mangalore (Click on name to read about her)

Celebration with 60 persons on the stage with firework sticks

The three main departments to excel in were singing, dance and skit competitions. Skits presented by two groups really won wide appreciation and applause. While one very convincingly depicted how the sanctity and purity of the nuptial-eve 'Roce' ceremony among the Konkani Christians is being desecrated by a small section of the younger generation, the other showed how the family members and the near and dear ones conduct themselves when someone in the family passes away. Both the skits were graphic examples of creativity, wit and histrionics.

In spite of the gloomy sky and prospects of mild showers, the amphitheatre was sardine-packed and had a gathering which almost touched the 1000 figure, maybe for the first time, perhaps a fitting tribute on its completion of five years.  

The function ended with digital fireworks, dances of celebrations and wide applauses of appreciation. 

Click here  ALBUM 1

Click here  ALBUM 2