LONDON
The Muridakars of Fatorda UK celebrated their first ever feast of St Sebastiao and the Carnival event together at the Nepalese Community Centre in Wembley.
Murida is a village in Fatorda Constituency in South Goa. The Chapel of St Sebastiao and the Don Bosco College of Engineering are some of the prominent locations in Murida.
Many residents of Murida are now settled in the United Kingdom but they have not forgotten their cultural roots and the Goan way of life and heritage.
The event began with the traditional Litany and prayers in Konkani for everyone. It was a free entry event organised by the generous Muridakars and supported by their friends from all over UK. Some of the villagers settled in Ireland specially flew in to join the celebrations.
Alvito Dias, President of United Goans of Fatorda UK and who is well-known in community circles in London for promoting Goan community events, was selected as the ‘King Momo’.
Popular singer-musician and DJ Polly De Curtorim entertained the revellers along with sets by DJ Zio and DJ Jovi. RJ Roque Vaz, the General Secretary of Golden Goa Association, Southampton and Awaaz FM radio presenter, compered the event in Konkani. He entertained the audience with humour and one-liners during various competitions like the fancy dress.
The famous Goan band ‘The Runks’, awarded the Iconic Band of Goa and who are currently touring UK and who performed at the ‘Red and Black Carnival Dance’ in Hounslow, UK, made a brief appearance to wish the Muridakars on their feast as one of their members, Edelbert Azaredo, hails from Murida-Fatorda.
Noted Goan personality from Southall Ciana D’Costa and Sebastian D’Costa, President of Golden Goa Association, Southampton, were present at the event. Jose Noronha, President of Utt Goenkara UK voluntary organisation, also made his presence felt.
Joyce, a popular community figure and host residing in Wembley, took part in the festivities along with her husband Elvis Fernandes and kids and Ariana, their elder daughter, sang in Konkani at the fun event.
The judge for all the fun contests was RJ Bihula Vaz, creative director of the radio show ‘Konkani Uloi London Fuloi’ on Awaaz FM Community Radio Station UK. Alvito Dias and Anarita Rodrigues performed an exotic Carnival dance performance with colourful costumes. Many Goans came dressed as different characters and personalities from Goan and world culture to take part in fun contests.
Goan food was home cooked and sponsored by Goan families. There was the ceremonial cutting of the Feast cake. Traditional Goan cuisine was on display. Maura Fernandes from Southall led the Litany prayers and she also recited the ‘Grace Before Meal’ prayer.
Bingo was organised with a prize amount of 50 pounds. which was won by Eleanor Fernandes. This was a free international community event and it was the support of all volunteers and sponsors to the organising team that made this event a success.
