LONDON
Goans in Leicester-England got to partake in a historical event with the celebration of their city’s first-ever Ekvottachem Fest (Festival of Unity) hosted by Leicester Goans at the John Bosco Hall on August 23 at 6 pm.
Ekvottachem Fest was curated by socio-cultural activist Marius Fernandes, popularly known as Goencho Festakar (Goan Festival Maker) for having staged 100 festams in Goa and 3 in the UK.
Leicester is home to a large population of British Asians, including a large number of Goans, settlers as well as first generation migrants. It is also the city where Marius lived and worked, and where most of his family currently live.
Father John Tavares lit the lamp to open the Fest and reminded the community of the central importance of togetherness in the protection of the unique Goan culture.
Fr Tavares reminded those present that religious differences are minor compared to shared Goan culture, which, he reminded them, needs to be protected.
“We must not form cliques, and groups. That destroys communities by only including certain members and excluding certain others. We must build a culture of joy, only possible if we love one another,” he said.
THE ACTIVITIES
The Fest began with a flag march, led by Espirito Roy Sequeira and Steven Gonsalves, an ice-breaker where groups of 10 participants circled the hall with flags.
Next was the Pasoi, or Heritage Walk, where Marius took the gathering on a tour of the items on the traditional Goan art and craft items displayed on tables in the hall, explaining their unique significance and use in Goan culture.
This was followed by festam celebrations in Goan style.
The youth band 'Salcette Beatz' gave their premier performance with Alfred Rose’s classic song, 'Ami Sogli Ek' (We Are All One). The band comprised Jancia da Silva Almeida (violin), Lalaine Gonsalves and Elena Sequeira (violins), Mitzy Sequeira (drums), Sherwin Gonsalves (keyboard), Kalen Fernandes and Magdiel Pereira (guitars) and Ancel Fernandes (tambourine).
A fashion show also saw the young present ethnic Goan attire.
The people then got together to dance the ‘Kottiecho Naach’ (coconut shell dance), which was originally conceptualised by Marius at one of his fests in Goa.
Tracy Fernandes presented a workshop on how to prepare a heritage sweet of Goa, choosing Godshe as the sweet.
During the function, Steve White, a fan of Goa and Goan culture, introduced Manjit Singh, who recreated a feat of strength that got him a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records by lifting 50 kgs of iron weights with his ears. A British Punjabi, Manjit is famous on British TV and has 72 mentions in the Guinness Book.
GOAN FOOD, SWEETS
Through the concept of live cooking demonstrations at the Fest, Marius put women at the forefront through their cooking skills passed down orally from their ancestors.
“Cooking, baking and all others related to food are great skills to have. And almost every Goan woman has them. But we take them all for granted whilst depending on them, and we never think to give them business opportunities,” he says passionately, adding, “every eatery in Goa I know of has men in the kitchens. Where are the women,” asked Marius.
ESSENCE OF FESTS
Togetherness is what Marius had in his heart as he sought to bring this Fest together.
He not only has an intellectual understanding of “Ekvott”, but puts it into practice personally, socially and culturally.
Marius explained that his Fests emphasise the concept of individual social responsibility (ISR), as opposed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“ISR means building inclusive festivals without chief guests or hierarchy, where every voice matters, knowledge is shared freely, and inclusivity is the guiding light," he explains.
“Through key Festam highlights like Bolcaoancho Gozalli (Goan-style balcony chats), Pasoi (Goan Heritage Walks) Karyshala (cultural knowledge-sharing workshops), Kottiacho Nach (coconut shell dance) and Ghumtacho Avaz (healing sounds of the ghumat), we empower women, children, and communities alike, creating not just cultural pride but new opportunities for livelihoods and business for all,” he adds.
