Nottingham (UK): MUKA celebrates Easter 2012

By Deepak Alvares
Bellevision Media Network

Nottingham, UK, 10 April 2012: Once again Mangalorean United Konkani Association, Nottingham (MUKA) gathered as one family to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on 8th April at Bramcote Hall in Nottingham. Mangaloreans from Nottingham were joined by members of KCA Manchester, friends and relatives from London, Leicester, Birmingham and Bristol.

 

The Easter celebration began with a Holy Eucharist in Konkani presided by Fr. Rudolph Noronha, SJ. Mr. Deepak Alvares led the talented team of choir members with their melodious voices, which added beauty to the celebration. The offering collection was made towards the Jesuit missions in Manipur, a venture of the Jesuits of Kohima Region.

 

Kevin Misquith’s latest Konkani album “Thembe Thembe” was released by Fr Rudolf Noronha. Kevin is one of the young and emerging talent of Mangalore.

 

Mr. Deepak Alvares, the president of MUKA welcomed the gathering. The members and guests were welcomed with soft drinks and cake.

 

A daylong cultural programme was compeered by Mr. John Fernandes. Both adults and children performed variety of dances, skits and songs.

 

 

The day began with a welcome song `Swagath Swagath’ by MUKA members. This was followed with a dance by little angels Jesvita, Hailey, Jennifer, Averill, Alrica, and Erica for the song `Jai Konkani’. To keep up the Konkani folkloristic culture a traditional dance by Jeevan, Deepak, Anitha and Nympha for the song `YE KONKANA’ was performed.

 

Elaine Lewis, Earlyne Lewis entertained the crowd by their melodious voices. A traditional Mangalorean style meal was served, cooked by Conrad Aranha, Irene Rasquinha, Sunitha D’Souza, Nympha Alvares, Flossy Fernandes and Anitha Sequeira.

 

During the lunch break, the crowd was entertained by Valerian Alva, London, Edward Fernandes, Charles D’Souza, Pius Rasquinha, Cleona Pinto with their melodious songs and dances along with Master Rodrigues from Manchester. Day’s attraction was a dance to the song ‘Denvcharachi Lodin’ by Pius Rasquinha, Vincent D’Souza, Deepak Alvares and Stany Sequeira. It was well received by the crowd.

 

Konkani song ‘Shinvthi Abolim’ was sung by MUKA’s little members Jesvita, Averil and Hayley, who showed that even in UK along with English, Konkani could be learnt. Hayley also sang another Konkani song ‘Chandamama’. Memories of Mukesh Kumar were re-lived through a Hindi song by Julian Noronha. The world hit “Kolaveri Di” was enacted by John-Vincent pair, which was thoroughly applauded by the crowd.

 

Short plays were performed by Stany, Pius, John, Deepak, Vincent and Jeevan, which made the crowd burst into laughter.

 

A Bollywood dance was performed by Monica, Angeline and Parthy from Leicester. Anitha Sequeira, Vice-President of MUKA proposed the vote of thanks. Housie-Housie was played and subsequently the prizes were distributed to the winners.

 

This event was wouldn’t have been possible without the support and generosity by the MUKA members. A special thanks to Valerian Alva, London for his overwhelming support and encouragement.

 

“The stone’s been rolled away,
the tomb lay open and bare,
They looked for Him, and then the angel said,
That He is no longer here
Alleluia alleluia Jesus has risen”