With the World Konkani Music Mega Convention pushing past the 10-day mark, the participation of Goan teams continues to reflect the diversity of the state's musical traditions and the people working to preserve them. From a newly formed group finding its feet through music to a choir with over 25 years of experience, the teams bring different stories to the record attempt, united by a common desire to take Goan Konkani music to a wider audience.
Chandorchim Kirnam, Goa, was formed in July 2026 with a shared passion for music, unity and preserving Goan culture. The members came together to showcase their talent, celebrate Goan traditions and keep Goan music alive for future generations. Joseph Fernandes said the team hopes to promote Goan music and bring people together through their shared love for it. “We came together to share our talent, celebrate our Goan traditions and keep our music alive for future generations,” he said. Fernandes said setting a Guinness World Record would be a proud and unforgettable moment for the team, while giving Goa an opportunity to showcase its talent and cultural richness on an international platform. “We want to make Goa proud and promote our beautiful language, Goan music and traditions internationally,” he said.
Rabin D’Pietro N Troupe comprises 31 passionate participants, aged between 18 and 70, from different parts of Goa, with a major group from Piedade. Under the guidance of maestro Rabin D’Pietro, the team brings together singing, performance, and showmanship. Ruby Fernandes, team coordinator, said most members had no formal singing training but came together through their shared passion for music and determination to make the Guinness World Record attempt a reality. The preparation involved regular practice sessions, which also helped the members develop a close bond. “What started as a musical endeavour has now become a family,” she said. Fernandes said the team was grateful to Mandd Sobhann for bringing the groups together for the convention and allowing them to celebrate and promote Goan music and culture. She added that the greatest achievement would not simply be setting a record but taking Goan music and traditions to a wider audience. “Our message is simple: our music and culture should live on forever, and we must come together to take them to greater heights,” she said.
St Michael Choir, Orlim, led by Luis Francisco Coutinho, has been singing at its parish church during feasts and other occasions, as well as at churches across Goa, for over 25 years. The choir has also participated in hymn and carol singing competitions across the state, winning several accolades. One of its specialties is performing traditional motets during Lent. Coutinho said the choir members were excited about participating in the mega convention, which gave them an opportunity to perform outside Goa and showcase their talent to a wider audience. “Our members have been very cooperative, supportive and enthusiastic throughout this journey,” he said. Coutinho said the convention brought together different forms of Goan music, including cantaram, manddo, dulpod, dekhnni, dhalo and devotional songs, offering an opportunity to celebrate the state's musical diversity. He stressed the need to pass this cultural legacy on to younger generations and called for more such events to be organised in Goa. “We want the next generation to carry forward the rich tradition of Goan Konkani songs and music. The Goa government, particularly the Department of Art and Culture, should take the initiative to organise more such events,” he said.
As the convention moves towards its final few days, the experiences of these teams highlight that the significance of the record attempt goes beyond numbers and recognition. For the participants, it is an opportunity to celebrate the many forms of Goan music. Whether the attempt makes it into the record books or not, their collective effort is a reminder of the importance of keeping Goan music and Konkani culture alive.
