In a unique attempt to celebrate Goa through song and dance, the Catechetical Cell of Holy Family Church at Alto Porvorim will organise Kantaranchi Sanz (Evening of Songs) in the church compound on November 19, from 7 pm onwards.
The event, which is based on the theme “Konknni Gitam Gavum-ia, Goychi Sonskrutai Ekcharan Samballum-ia” (Let's sing Konkani songs, let's unitedly promote/preserve Goan culture), will include performances by Catechism children singing Konkani songs of legendary composers of yesteryears and dancing to the Konkani tunes.
While many of songs and lyrics have been composed by Fr Lobo, the dances have been choreographed by catechists. There will also be an exhibition on traditional Goa like feasts and festivals, occupations, games, home-made delicacies, tools and artifacts.
“Goa, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, is home to many musical traditions, that include the dekhnni, dhalo, fugddi, Manddo, etc. A Goan is said to be born with music in his blood, and music, art and song literally accompanies him across the globe. Musical traditions run in whole generations,” says Alto-Porvorim Parish Priest Fr Tomas Lobo. “'Kantaranchi Sanz' is an effort to celebrate and appreciate the rich culture of Goa presented by the young children of our parish, who are the future beacons of Goa, to preserve and carry forward to future generations all that is truly Goan.”
The event is also being held to celebrate the feast of St Cecilia, the model of faith and patroness of singers and musicians.
“Besides Konkani songs and dance, the Goan culture exhibits will take you down memory lanes of Goa in the past, to showcase the rich repertoire of Goa’s social and cultural past that is slowly and sadly fading into the sunset. In addition, local Goan cuisine will also be served in traditional Goan style at different stalls.”
