As the first batch of Goan pilgrims will embark on the annual pilgrimage to Vailankanniin Tamil Nadu on August 25 by train, Salcete-based Valanka & Vanesteve Productions appears all set to stage its Konkani musical show at the pilgrim centre on August 30, coinciding with the first Novena of Our Lady of Vailankani.
While pilgrims from other parts of the country will stage their cultural programs at the pilgrim centre in their respective languages, pilgrims from Goa as usual can look forward for a program in their mother tongue Konkani in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu.
Incidentally, this is the 12th consecutive year that producer Inacio Dias has been staging the musical program at Vailankanniduring the novenas of Our lady of Vailankani, which is being attended by thousands of Goans every year.
"I have been going on a pilgrimage to Vailankannifor over two decades now with my parents since my childhood. When I saw people from other states staging their cultural programs, I thought to myself why not hold one in Konkani,"said Inacio.
What began on a modest note over a decade ago has now become an annual Konkani cultural affair at Vailankani. Inacio and his troupe have not stopped staging the Konknai musical evening since the last 12 years, evoking good response and support from the pilgrims, as he profusely thanked the Konkani artists for their wholehearted support and cooperation.
This year too, Inacio has roped in noted Konkani stage artists, including Jr Reagan, Pascoal, Caji, Menin Mario, Salvador, Tony de Ribandar, Ofelia, Antonette de Maina, Evarist, Sir Piety, Jalin, Xavier, Wilbur, Com Aston, Com Pitush, Com Agnel, Seby Vilius and Peterson.
The train carrying the pilgrims via Bangalore is expected to touch Vailankannitwo days later ahead of the traditional maddi at the pilgrim centre scheduled on August 29.
