PANAJI
Doha witnessed an evening of entertainment, elegance and cultural pride at the Orbital Nite 2026, a dine & dance event organised at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, on October 30.
Organised by Orbit Events & Marketing, powered by Orbit Homes Real Estate and spearheaded by Simon D'Silva, the event brought together people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, creating an atmosphere of friendship, celebration and togetherness.
One of the highlights of the evening was the crowning of Orbital Queen 2026, a showcase of intelligence, confidence, beauty, grace and personality.
Amid the excitement and anticipation, Gitanjali Dey, a cabin crew member with Qatar Airways, was crowned Orbital Queen 2026. Muskan Hoondlani, a Dubai-based data engineer, was adjudged the first runner-up, while Aaliya Almeida, a Qatar-based table tennis player and Model United Nations debater, was the second runner-up.
The contestants were judged by a panel comprising Aparna Krishna (Division Manager – Human Resources, Galfar Al Misnad, and former President of Billawas Qatar); Edson Fernandes (Operations Director – Middle East, National Oilwell Varco, Saudi Arabia, and President of United Goans of Saudi Arabia); and Peroz Pereira (Operations Head, Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha.)
Dr Vaibhav Tandale, First Secretary, Head of Chancery, Labour & Community Welfare, Embassy of India, Doha, was the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Tandale appreciated the initiative of bringing people from different nationalities and backgrounds together, emphasising the importance of such gatherings in fostering friendship, mutual understanding, cultural exchange and unity.
He congratulated Orbit Events & Marketing and Simon D'Silva for conceptualising and presenting an event that blended entertainment with meaningful cultural and community connections.
Fr Paulraj Devaraj, Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Qatar, who was guest of honour, commended D'Silva's commitment to community activities, charitable initiatives and church-related programmes.
Fr Rosario Colaco, Assistant Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of the Konkani-Speaking Community, who was special guest, lauded the community's enthusiasm, spirit of togetherness and active participation. He emphasised the importance of preserving strong relationships, mutual support and a sense of belonging among people living away from their homeland.
Manikantan A.P., President of the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC), Qatar, who was a special invitee, praised the organisers for their commitment to promoting entertainment, cultural connections and community togetherness.
He also appreciated the inclusion of World Goa Day 2026, recognising the importance of celebrating and preserving Goan identity and heritage on an international platform.
The event included the international release of ‘Tackling Wife Questions – Goan Style: 40 Humorous Short Stories’, authored by Kuwait-based Goan writer Gasper Crasto.
The book, which was officially launched previously in London, was presented to the gathering by Simon D’Silva and Qatar's well-known Goan singer-actress Natcey Barretto.
Another highlight of the event was the felicitation of P N Babu Rajan, Director of the Skills Development Centre, by the chief guest Dr Vaibhav A. Tandale.
The felicitation celebrated Babu Rajan's achievement on being conferred the ‘The Pillar of Community Leadership & Social Impact’ honour at the Global Business Leadership Awards 2026, recognising his contributions to skills development, professional training and empowering individuals through knowledge, practical expertise and career-enhancing opportunities.
Earlier in his welcome address, Simon D'Silva expressed heartfelt gratitude to the chief guest, guests of honour, special invitees, sponsors, performers, well-wishers and enthusiastic audience for their encouragement and support.
The dine and dance event featured music performances by Goa's leading band ‘The 7 Notes Band’ and Goan pop-rock sensation Mark Revlon, which kept the crowd on the dance floor. The MC, Updesh Swar, engaged the gathering throughout the event.
Beyond the music, glamour and festivities, Orbital Nite 2026 carried a message through the special celebration of World Goa Day 2026. A special video message from UK-based Rene Barretto, Convenor of World Goa Day, was screened at the event.
His message highlighted the importance of preserving Goa's cultural heritage, strengthening bonds among Goans worldwide and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.
Simon D'Silva said Orbital Nite 2026 was not merely another glittering event on Doha's entertainment calendar.
“It was a celebration of achievement, a tribute to Goan identity and a powerful reminder that music, culture and friendship can unite hearts across borders. Meaningful celebrations are not merely about entertainment but about connecting hearts, strengthening friendships and building lasting community bonds.”
