Pics: Ashok Cutinha
News by: Vivian Saldanha 
Daijiworld Media Network – Dublin (SP)

Dublin, Dec 18: Christmas is a fun and a joyful event of the year, which is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety by the people from all walks of life. Konkans Ireland group had organized its Christmas Party on Saturday December 12, at 11 am. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and an afternoon to remember.

The celebrations had been arranged at the home of Santosh and Sarita, members of the group. The programme began with the welcome address, delivered by Aarathi, who compered the event. 

Fr Darryl began the prayer, followed by a very meaningful homily, delivered by Fr Jayan. Br Walter was also present. Fr Darryl then invited everyone to stand and join their respective families, and dictated four sets of blessings. In the first blessing, everyone present blessed the religious people present at the Christmas party, following which, Fr Darryl asked them to pray for all those who are single. In the third blessing, the parents were asked to place their hands on their children and bless them, after which, the children had to put their hands on their parents and pray for them. Well, it was a wonderful experience.

Cake and soft drinks were served thereafter. Immediately after that, a tabloid was presented, relating to the birth of Jesus Christ. Ashok and Ida had written and directed the tabloid in which, James played the role of Joseph, Monica became Mother Mary, Jeeson played the role of Angel Gabrial, while the roles of the three kings were donned by Santosh, Cajitan and Valerian. Ida, Marina and Br Walter provided narration for the whole tabloid. In between, Christmas carols were sung, and at the end of the tabloid, Santa (Vijay) came and wished everyone, besides distributing gifts to the children.

A skit was thereafter, performed by the young children, Astle, Chris and Jeeson. It was about the tiger, the farmer, the tree and the fox and the moral being ‘do not be selfish’.

It was then time to elect the new committee for the year 2010, for looking after the well being of Konkans Irelands group.  Fr Jayan and Arathi conducted the election. Ashok Cutinha was re-elected as the group’s president, Ida D’sa was re-elected as its secretary, and Diana Pinto was elected as the cultural secretary. All the three took over their respective responsibilities.

By then it was lunch time, and delicious cuisine, prepared by the members of the Konkans Irelands group, comprising Vegetable Pulao, chicken curry, pork, Sanna, Chicken Tandoori,  Chana, Raita, Papad and Pickle, was served. Everyone relished the food and appreciated the taste. 

Games for the kids were organized by Diana Pinto for all the kids. Crossing the river Jordan was also played, in which Benita was named the winner.

Ashok then conducted a talent show, called Mr and Miss Konkans Ireland. The stage was set and 12 boys and an equal number of girls were asked to clear three rounds of the contest. In the first round, each of them had to come and walk the ramp and introduce themselves, in the second, they had to answer a set of 25 general knowledge questions, and in the last round, they were asked to pull out a chit and enact the situation mentioned therein. All of these acts were judged by a panel of three judges, Fr Jayan, Fr Darryl and Br Walter. James Bhore and Mabel Cutinha won the Mr and Miss Kankans Ireland title respectively.

Antakshari was conducted by James Bhore. There were many rounds like the dumb charades, rapid fire round etc. It was conducted beautifully and everyone enjoyed it.     
    
After all the events were over, it was time for prize distribution and felicitation. A memento was presented to Santosh and Sarita  for providing venue for the event. Traditional Kuswar was made by the members of the Konkan’s Irelands group collectively, a packet each of which, was given to each family, and it all came as a surprise to some members of the group.

Vote of thanks was proposed by the secretary of the Konkan’s Ireland Group, with Ida D’Sa extending special thanks to all those who were present and sympathies to those who could not make it.

The celebrations ended at 5.30 pm, after which, the people started to disperse. Truly it was a grand success and an afternoon to remember.