MUKA-Mangalorean United Konkani Association Celebrates Easter 2019

By Deepak Alvares
Bellevision Media Network

Nottingham-UK, 26 Apr 2019: Mangalorean United Konkani Association of Nottingham-UK celebrated Easter at the Bramcote Memorial Hall on the 21st April 2109, with the presence of over 200 Mangaloreans from every corner of the UK, mainly many members from the KCA-Manchester UK.

 

The day began with the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, in Konkani. The theme was “Give peace a chance”. The altar was beautifully decorated by the members of MUKA. The choir was well conducted by our very talented Mr. Deepak Alvares, with his guitar skills and beautifully selected hymns. The choir was well supported by our talented singers with their melodious voices giving out the message about our Risen Christ. Budding musicians showcased their talent with their skills on key board, violin which enhanced the choir. Averil Alvares, who was on the Queen of the instrument- Violin, on the keyboard – Jesvita Menezes, Alrica Sequeira, Sandrea Lobo, Erica D’Souza, Hailey Fernandes and Jennifer Menezes.

 

Fr. Charles invited the congregation to celebrate Easter with the Risen Lord, sharing peace among all and experience the presence that Jesus is alive. The offertory collected during the mass will be donated to the Nirmala Mandir Girls Orphanage, Shimoga, Karnataka state, India which is run by the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo. This centre facilitates the 70 children towards the marginal studies from 1st standard to 12th standard.

 

The cultural program was followed by the Eucharistic celebration. The program was compeered by Mrs. Sunitha Rodrigues, welcoming the audience with Easter wishes. Then she invited Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes and Mr. Pius Rasquinha, Vice President Mrs. Anita Menezes and Secretary Mrs. Shalini Pinto to the stage. President Pius Rasquinha welcomed the gathering with his brief speech and Easter wishes.

 

Vice president Mrs. Anita Menezes and Secretary Mrs. Shalini Pinto presented the bouquet of flowers and a thanking card with a gift to Fr Charles to show our humble appreciation.

 

The cultural program began with the prayer dance by Dorothy D’Souza, Alrica Sequeira and Cristal Rodrigues, by praising our Lord Almighty, the creator of the universe in the Konkani version of “Sagle Sristecha Rasnara”, which upheld the richness of Indian Classical steps and rhythm, choreographed by Dorothy D’Souza.

 

Great performances followed. The Bollywood style of dance was by the little champs, Alroy Sequeira, Aaron Aranha, Aiden Menezes, Ethan Alvares and Sohan Saldanha, who proved that they can move the body to any groovy music. This dance was well choreographed by Anitha Sequeira. Yet another dance was performed by the little angels Daisy D’Souza, Freya Fernandes, Jaylea D’Souza and Sophia Lobo to the Konkani and Spanish music choreographed by Dorothy D’Souza. Mash up Dance was performed by the junior girls of MUKA to the music of Hindi and English choreographed by Dorothy D’Souza and girls themselves.

 

 

Adding to the program, the Konkani song “Konkani Amchi  Bhas” was sung by our talented singers with their melodious voices. The short skit “Me Too” in Konkani was played by our versatile actors Pius Rasquinha, John Fernandes, Jeevan Menezes, Stany  Sequeira and Joy Pinto which made the audience laugh their guts out.

 

Lunch was served with delicious mouthwatering Mangalorean style delicacies, to name Pork bafat, mutton curry, buns, rice and dhal, vegetable and sweet “vorn”.which was cooked by the members and families of MUKA.

 

Our great chefs were, Conrad and Florine Aranha, Stany and Anitha Sequeira, Vincy and Sunita D’Souza, Wilfy and Sunitha Rodrigues, Harry and Precilla Lobo, Mary and Frederick D’Sa ,Jeevan  and Anita Menezes, John and Flossy Fernandes, Joy and Shalini, Jerald and Nympha Alvares, with their skills brought out the delicious food to the table.

 

The afternoon session began with Mr. Vincy Taccode with his humorous comedy act kept the audience awake. Joshua D’Souza Showed his talent on the keyboard.  The dance performed by the teenage girls of KCA- Manchester brought back the audience back to their seat. MUKA’s talented teenagers, Hailey, Jesvita, Averil and Melvia stormed the stage with their Bollywood style dance to the Hindi, Punjabi and English music. This was followed by the solo singers, Miss Sweeney, Denzil and Ancita mesmerized the audience with their melodious voices. Adding to the list was group singing by the members of KCA Manchester and MUKA Nottingham, the Konkani song Din ta din tana, which was composed and sung, and the music directed by the great singer Mr. Stan Mendonca.

 

The lucky draws were drawn and the winners were felicitated with prizes. Mr. Prashanth Shetty sponsored the prizes.

 

Yet another skit in Konkani was played by the MUKA members, Stany, John, Pius and Jeevan to entertain the gathering. The grand finale from the MUKA’s mixed adults group was danced to the music of Hindi, Konkani and Tulu songs by Anita, Nympha, Vinnette, Deepak, Naveen, Anson and Julian.

 

The day’s events were well captured by Vincent D’Souza and Julian Noronha with their videography / Photography talent. The whole day’s event was well managed by M. C. Sunita Rodrigues.

 

The vote of thanks was rendered by the Vice President Anita Menezes to appreciate the participations, the members, donations, well wishers and sponsors to make it a day to remember.

 

The program can never be accomplished without a Housie game. This was conducted by Edmund and Maria. Laudate was sung by all to thank the Lord Almighty for showering His blessings on us to celebrate the feast of “Risen Christ “. The event was concluded with the traditional “Baila Blast”, which made everyone to jump on their feet to the groovy music.

 

MUKA is thankful to all the sponsor of the event, participants and supporters for making the day a memorable one, especially the members of KCA- Manchester/UK.