*Press Note* *For Favour of Publication*
*TAG’s 4th Festival of Khells – ‘Desvoponn Asa Punn Munisponn Nam’ bags 1st Prize* In order to preserve and promote the traditional Goan Zomnivoilo Khell which is usually held during the Carnival, every year Tiatr Academy of Goa organizes Festival of Khells. This year the festival was held at the Kadamba Bus Stand, Curchorem in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan Curchorem on 21st & 22nd February 2015. Altogether 6 Khells written and directed by well-known Khell directors Jose de Velim, Ivone Fernandes, Jack Rodson, Luis Xavier Mascarenhas, Luis Minguel Reis Azavedo and Coly-Col-de Velim participated at this festival. The Chief Guest for the inaugural function Shri. Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem inaugurated the festival by lighting the traditional lamp along with Prince Jacob, President of TAG and Shri Jose Alexandre Rodrigues, Member Secretary of TAG. While addressing the audience he appreciated the efforts of TAG for promoting this festival in Curchorem for the first time. The Khells which bagged prizes at this festival are as follows:- 1st Prize - ‘Devosponn Asa Punn Munisponn Nam’ by Luis Xavier Mascarenhas and troupe 2nd Prize – ‘Sangath’ by Ivone Fernandes and troupe 3rd Prize – ‘Chuk Mhoji’ by Jack Rodson and troupe The competition was judged by well-known tiatr personalities Shri. Menino de Bandar and Smt. Angela Moraes. On the concluding day Prince Jacob, President of TAG, Shri. Abdonio Rodrigues well-known veteran music maestro and Shri. Eddie Mascarenhas, senior tiatr artiste presented the awards and certificates to the winners in the presence of Member Secretary Shri. Jose Alexandre Rodrigues. All the participating troupes were provided financial assistance of Rs. 15000/- each. The festival had a good response from the audience. The programme was compered by Shri. William Fernandes, Executive Council Member of TAG. Shri. Jess Luz, Programme In-charge co-ordinated the programme. *(Jose Alexandre Rodrigues)* Member Secretary
