News: Naveen Mathias

Pics: Chetan Kumar

Oman, May 3: To celebrate the spirit of Easter and rejoice with loved ones on the blessed occasion, the Mangalurean community of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, Oman (GMCC) organized 'PaskhanchoDabazo (Easter Joy)' for the Mangalurean community of the Ghala Parish on April 26, at Al Tasnim Hall. The event was marked with tremendous energy, gaiety and fun to truly ring in the joy and happiness of the risen Lord.

This Mangalurean flavoured entertaining event started with all the participants being served traditional food items 'Mutlin' and 'Pothrade'. Nirmala Goveas, vice president (cultural) greeted the gathering which was followed by an Easter themed 'Welcome song' performed by the committee members. Fr George Vadukkut, parish priest of the Ghala parish, invoked the blessings of the resurrected Lord on all the participants and organisers. He lauded the contribution of the Mangalurean community towards the parish and also appreciated the efforts of the executive committee to include lesser privileged brethren and bachelors in such festive occasions. President Sunil Furtado welcomed the gathering and reassured the Mangalurean community’s zeal to serve the parish.

Fr George, along with the whole committee then inaugurated the tableau depicting the traditional household items, Mangalurean delicacies, a typical 'Goodangadi' and a roadside café. An Easter egg contest was held wherein the contestants showcased their handmade Easter eggs. A total of ten contestants participated in the contest and Fr George and Vijay D’Cunha judged the entries based on beauty, size, creativity and theme. The winners of the contest were Suman Mathias (first prize), Reema D’Almeida (second prize) and Rebecca D’Souza (third prize). Committee members Naveen Mathias and Linda D’Souza conducted the contest.

The entire gathering was divided into five groups for participating in various fun games. The groups were named after traditional utensils used in Mangalurean households. The fun games and several spot prize contests were admirably conducted by Terence Vinod D’Souza ensuring everyone’s participation and enjoyment to the brim. He was supported by DJ Darryl Mascarenhas with lively music.

High-voltage energy hit the congregation when 'PiliVesha' (Tiger dance) competition was announced and each team performed the PiliVesha with great vigour. A mesmerising performance by a fully dressed up Tiger Dance troupe took it to a crescendo. The performing artistes were, Joel D’Souza, Jeevan Fernandes, John Secundas, Deril D’Souza, Denis and Rolson Cardoza. This was followed by a skit featuring 'KombyaKaat' (cock fight). The live hens and comical dialogues regaled the audience. The skit was performed by, Ivan Pinto, Peter Fernandes, Praveen Serra, John Secundas and Prima D’Souza. Steven D’Souza, a talented youngster of the community entertained the crowd with his 'TikTok' dance, which was followed by a quiz for each group.

The entire event was planned and beautifully compered by Nirmala Goveas. Naveen Mathias rendered the vote of thanks. The event ended successfully with a sumptuous dinner consisting of traditional Mangalurean delicacies prepared by the committee members. All the attendees were gifted with goody bags.

It was a highly energising and entertaining evening for the entire community, who enjoyed fully and expressed the need for more such events to bring the community together.

The efforts and hard work of the GMCC Executive Committee to showcase such an event was well appreciated by the community. The committee members are, Sunil Furtado, Prem Colaco, Nirmala Goveas, Ophelia Lazarus, Helen Sequeira, Alwin Fernandes, Linda D’Souza, Naveen Mathias, Ajay Barboza, Joel D’Souza, Roshan Saldanha and Prakash D’Sa.

Main sponsors of the event were, Clifford Sanctis and family, Hansel Barboza and family, Roshan Saldanha and family, Vijay D’Cunha and family and Randolph Mendonca - Al Tasnim Caterers.

Snacks/ goody bag sponsors were, Areej Vegetable Oils and Derivatives SAOC (courtesy Jessy Pereira), Nestle Foods Oman (courtesy Teril Saldanha), Sweets of Oman (courtesy George Andrade), National Detergent Company (courtesy Ratheesh), Nabil Biscuits (courtesy Prem Colaço), Muscat pharmacy (courtesy Mohammed), Al Marai (courtesy Matheesha), printed bags by Binny and Hina, Majid Printers (courtesy Nirmala Goveas), Water by Malabar Gold & Soft drinks by Coca Cola (courtesy Philomena Mendonca), dinner vouchers from Majan Continental Hotel (courtesy Ophelia Lazarus), travel vouchers from Marmul Travels (courtesy Mabel Pinto and Vijai D’Cunha) and backdrop banner by Raphael Quadros, Zaharat printers.

Special thanks to, Ignatius and Celine Lobo and family, Joel D’Souza, Prakash D’Souza, Kiran Pereira, Steven Pinto, Melwyn D’Souza, Zeeliya D’Souza, Rony Lobo, Joel Ashlin Sequeira and Suman Mathias for the delicious preparation of the traditional food.

Volunteers for the event were, Michael Goveas, Aslita D’Souza, Suman Mathias, Robert Saldanha, Sunita Furtado, Lydia Saldanha, Latha D’Sa, Ivan Pinto, John Secundas, Meera Saldanha, Peter Fernandes, Praveen Serra, Jeevan Fernandes, Prima D’Souza, DJ Darryl Mascarenhas and photographer Chetan Kumar.