LONDON
The Rising Goans UK celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Good Health, Vailankanni, on September 6 with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
The day began with the Feast Mass in Konkani at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Isleworth, UK. Goan Chaplain UK Fr Renato Andrade SFX was the mass celebrant and preached the homily. A Konkani choir was in attendance.
The social gathering, organised by the Rising Goans UK, took place on the church grounds. Traditional chickpeas were distributed among the devotees, while traditional Goan snacks were also served.
There was the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake of Mother Mary. The honour of cutting the cake was given to all the mothers present on the occasion.
The popular Goan band ‘Rock and Raagas’, the event headliner, performed the birthday song both in English and Konkani. Flowers were presented to mothers by their children with much love and affection.
Nicholas Fernandes, the Treasurer of Rising Goans UK, said the grace before the meal, before an authentic Goan buffet was served.
The outdoor socio-cultural event was compered by MC Vinketha Machado and Konkani radio star RJ Roque Vaz. Both hosts kept the audience entertained with a variety of spot prizes, especially keeping Konkani language in focus. A festive atmosphere was created on the church grounds to resemble a traditional Goan feast celebration, complete with games and recreation for children and adults.
There was a wide line-up of entertainers, including DJ LX, DJ TLA and Edu Drummer Boy. All the musicians belted out scintillating music. All the entertainers and emcees were supported by a sound system, managed by the young sound engineer Filroy Fernandes of FFF Audio.
The traditional Goan feast march was one of the highlights of the open-air extravaganza. The raffle was organised with the first three prizes amounting to £1000, £600 and £300. In addition, five consolation prizes were given away.
The organising team, consisting of the following committee members of Rising Goans UK, worked tirelessly to put on an impressive community event: Jose Rodrigues (President), Jose Paul John Gomes (Vice President), Bella Colaco (Secretary), Vinketha Machado (Assistant Secretary), Nicholas Fernandes (Treasurer), Inacio Silva (Assistant Treasurer), Ignatius Savio Gracias (Assistant Treasurer), Piolina Rodrigues and Tom Dias (Event Organisers), Dinkle Pereira (Social Media), Ignatius Savio Gracias and Swapnil Gonsalves (Event Managers).
