LONDON
Around 225 singers and musicians from eight groups participated in the first-ever Mando Festival in the UK, which was organised by the Goan Chaplaincy UK in Hayes, West London on October 24.
Despite adverse weather conditions, hundreds of people attended the festival under the theme ‘Bringing Goan Heritage to the UK’ and were enthralled by different Mandos at the event, organised under the leadership of Fr Renato Andrade of the Goan Chaplaincy UK.
The event began with a prayer led by Fr Renato Andrade, setting a warm and spiritual tone for the occasion. The hosts then welcomed the audience with a captivating poem dedicated to the rich heritage of the Mando.
The two Masters of Ceremonies, Melivia Clemente and Zinaida Palmeira, introduced the history of the Mando. They described the Mando as a traditional Goan art form combining expressive song and dance, blending melodious Konkani lyrics, music and graceful movement.
They provided a brief introduction of each group along with a short description of each Mando before the performance. To further engage the audience and celebrate their roots, the hosts conducted interactive trivia about Goa, encouraging attendees to demonstrate their love and passion for their mother tongue Konkani.
Throughout the festival, the audience was introduced to the beauty of Mando. The performances highlighted its diverse themes, from romance and love at first sight to the deep ache of separation and the timeless traditions of Goa.
Filled with enchanting melodies, soulful Konkani music, and graceful traditional performances, the event provided a stage to nurture local musical talent, inspiring young performers while keeping both the rich, historic heritage of Goan music and a deep love for the mother tongue, Konkani, proudly alive.
Many of the youth and children were excited to participate in the Mando festival and expressed their love for Goa and Goan culture. They also thanked the Goan Chaplaincy for giving them a platform to showcase their talents and appreciated Fr Andrade for his missionary work in the UK.
The participating groups were presented gifts by the Goan Chaplaincy, while food and refreshments were provided by Manuel Catering.
The music ministry of the Goan Chaplaincy, who helped organise the festival, comprised experienced Goan Mando composers and singers who have won awards during Mando competitions at Kala Academy in Goa. The singers were Inacio Palmeira and Sheron Vaz, along with musicians Ajiton Estibeiro and Aldrich Fernandes.
The participants age ranged from the youngest violinist, Nolan Lobo, hailing from St Estevam and now residing in Wembley, to senior citizens from different parts of London.
The participating groups were the Londonchim Yatrekara group from Isleworth (‘Sodanch Ravtelim Tuka’), the Noketram Hayesachim group from Hayes (‘Iskolantlo Gupit Mog’), the Porzollit Noketram group from Hounslow (‘Mhojea Mogachem’), the St Juzechim Motiam group from Wembley (‘Natalam Ratrik’), the Goychim Mankam group from Hounslow (‘Goa Purvozache’), the Swadik Nad group from Southall (‘Don Tin Vorsam’), the Cranfordchim Kirnam group from Cranford (‘Dhoriachea Lharari’) and the Mando Mogi group from Hounslow (‘Poilech Nodrek Mog’).
‘Goans need to maintain their heritage in UK’
Expressing his strong desire for Goans to maintain their heritage while living in the UK, Fr Renato Andrade of the Goan Chaplaincy UK felt the youth must be involved in order to maintain this Goan identity and continuity.
“A vibrant Mando festival was being organised for the first time in the UK to preserve and promote traditional culture for future generations. The festival celebrated the traditional Goan Mando, a musical form expressing love, romance, social life and the rich cultural heritage of Goa,” said Fr Andrade.
“Our youth must be guided to promote Goan culture and language. I am also focused on bringing youth to the church, since the youth and children are pillars of the family and church.”
Stating that the idea for the festival came to him while praying before the Blessed Sacrament, Fr Andrare said: "The inspiration one gets in prayer is the voice that comes from God.”
“The participation was outstanding, with approximately 225 performers from 10 Goan Chaplaincy Mass Centres participating in the festival and nearly 600 people attending the event. The enthusiastic participation of young people highlighted the bright future of Goan music and culture in Britain.”
Fr Andrade also appreciated the arrangements, generosity and support from all over the world.
“Alfred Camara from Hayes coordinated the stage decoration, management and sound. The event was livestreamed, connecting Goans and admirers across Europe, America and India,” said Fr Andrade.
“Admission was free, and food was served free of charge, reflecting the Goan community’s generosity, hospitality and togetherness.”
“The Goan Chaplaincy UK expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation to Archbishop Richard Moth of the Westminster Diocese, Chaplaincy Incharge Bishop Paul McAleenan, Bishop Jim Curry, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, the Society of Pilar, Pilar Fathers in UK, the Chaplaincy committees, Music Ministry and all supporters.”
Fr Andrade said the first-ever Mando festival was more than a cultural celebration, as it marked the beginning of a lasting legacy, uniting faith, music and Goan identity in the United Kingdom.
“The Goan Chaplaincy UK hopes to make the Mando festival an annual event, preserving Goan heritage while encouraging people to become ambassadors of Goan culture and evangelisers of the Gospel,” he added.
