LONDON
Traditions associated with the famous Bonderam festival in Divar-Goa came alive in the UK when the fifth edition of the Goan UK Bonderam festival was celebrated at the Cranford Community Hall, Hounslow-London, on October 3.
The event included a flag parade, a fancy dress contest for seniors, juniors and sub-juniors, a football tie-breaker contest for women and a coconut-breaking contest for men.
Presented by Keegan D’Costa of Thousand Wishes Events & Decor, the fifth-year celebration featured a line-up of musicians and entertainers like UK bands ‘V5’, ‘1Rush’ and ‘West Coast’, alongside ‘Shine On’ band (from Goa), as well as DJ Enrico and DJ Armstrong.
This year’s celebrations also featured fresh MCs — Marina Esteves and Richika Serrao — who kept the audience engaged throughout the programme.
The Goan UK Bonderam also served as a platform for different contests. The fancy dress competition was won by Asher Barreto (junior category) and Anarita Pereira (senior category). The women’s penalty shootout competition was won by Cheryl Pereira, adding another exciting sporting element to the day’s celebrations.
The traditional coconut-breaking competition attracted excitement from the crowd. The Cardozo brothers won the event, while the runners-up were Ahans. The festival also featured traditional Goan food and a bar.
When contacted, Keegan D’Costa said the Goan UK Bonderam has continued to grow – bigger, stronger and louder – over the past five years, bringing together music, entertainment, traditional activities, competitions, food and people.
“The event has continued its journey despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the name and trademark. Through it all, the focus has remained on celebrating Goan culture, bringing the community together and giving the younger generation in the UK an opportunity to experience and participate in the traditions that connect them to Goa,” said D’Costa.
“Reaching five years is more than simply an anniversary. It represents five years of keeping a piece of Goan tradition alive in the United Kingdom.”
