Mando Mogi.
The First World Konkani Music Mega Convention at Town Hall, Mangaluru, from November 3 to 15, 2026, will witness a historic musical celebration as 53 Goan teams, led by Michael Jude Gracias, join 247 other Konkani singing teams from across the world in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record through a 12-day, 12-hour and 12-minute singing marathon. On November 3, the opening day, four Goan teams, Mando Mogi from Margao, Machi Mogi from Santa Cruz, Mandd Sobhann and KATS (Konkani Amchi Tumchi Soglleanchi), will take centre stage to showcase their musical talent and celebrate the rich heritage of the Konkani language.
Preserving traditions
Pervis Gomes formed Mando Mogi in 1995 out of a shared love for Goa’s cultural heritage, particularly its traditional Mando music and dance. Since then, the group has worked to preserve and promote these art forms and pass them on to future generations. “Our team brings together people from different backgrounds with one common passion of keeping Goan traditions alive,” Gomes remarked. He added that every practice and performance became an opportunity to celebrate their roots and cultural identity.
A global platform
For Gomes and the team, the Guinness World Record attempt offers a chance to showcase Goa’s cultural heritage on an international platform. “This is much more than an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. It represents unity, collective effort and our love for our homeland,” he said. He believes the initiative highlights how traditional art forms continue to bring people together across generations. “The real achievement is bringing people together to celebrate, preserve and showcase our traditions to the world,” Gomes stated.
Musical journey
Showcasing talent
Lawry Travasso, leader of the group Mandd Sobhann, said he would be participating in the Guinness World Record attempt with 16 artistes performing 17 songs written by him and composed by Norman Cardozo. “Attempting a Guinness World Record is not an easy task for Mandd Sobhann, but we are excited to be part of this initiative,” he said, while wishing luck to all the participants.
United through music
Fr Savio Domingos Costa SFX, Assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Penha de Franca Church, Britona, said the village has a rich history of dramatists, singers, composers and musicians. Participating in the Guinness World Record attempt organised by Konkani Mandd Sobhann was an opportunity to honour their mother tongue and showcase local talent. Named Konkani Amchi Tumchi Soglleanchi (KATS), the group aimed to bring people together through an hour of non-stop singing. “At times, there was a clash of minds when deciding the pitches of the songs, but we never allowed our hearts to clash,” Fr Costa said. Despite the difficulties, he said, “Let’s leave the rest in the hands of God.”
Beyond boundaries
For Fr Costa, the event is also about taking Konkani beyond geographical boundaries. “Konkani is not to be kept within the territories of Goa or some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, but it should be heard and reach across the horizons,” he said. The group’s name, KATS, reflects its belief that Konkani belongs to everyone, wherever they may be.
As the 12-day musical marathon brings together Konkani speakers and artistes from across the world, the participation of these Goan teams is a celebration of the language. Beyond the record attempt, it is an opportunity to give Konkani music a wider platform and ensure that its traditions continue to reach future generations.
