World Goa Day in Melbourne ignites Cultural Heritage of Yore Melbourne, August 20: For the third year in a row, Goans in Melbourne got together to celebrate WorldGoa day 2005 at St. Anthony's Hall, Noble Park. The theme this year was promotion of Goan culture and heritage in their second home, Australia.
There was a unique presentation of the Goan Dekhni. Dressed in traditional attire, the three young girls and boys gave a fascinating presentation of song and dance much to the thrill of the crowd who joined in singing 'Hanv Saiba Poltodi Vetam' amidst clapping and whistling to the tune of the song. The Dehhni presentation brought many a tear to a lot of eyes that night and nostalgic memories of Goa were evoked. The choreographer, Mrs Lidia Martins was called in to take a bow. The evening had a Goan fiesta mood. A large number of Goans converged to celebrate Goan identity, gained with the recognition of Konkani on August 20, some 18 years ago. The evening turned more pleasnat with conversation in Konkani doing the rounds amongst Goan guests. Co-ordinator, Oscar Lobo, termed this as "the crowning glory of the evening". The function was also attended by mainstream Australian friends of the Goan community. The venue was gorgeously bedecked with decorations on the walls and World Goa Day and ANZ balloons in the hall. The tables were a spectacle with soft candlelight on the silver stands. The evening turned more colourful and stylish with formal suits and the ladies in colourful traditional attire, thus making the function breathtaking. Even three members of local police station made their presence and enjoyed the spread of Goan food. 'After Dark' band entertained a full house crowd. The floor was packed with couples dancing, pepping up all the other guests. There were prizes galore with more than 25 numbers being awarded during the night including a giant television, DVD sets, stereos and other gifts sponsored by ANZ Bank, Dandenong market. Local businesses like Hindustan Imports, True Spice, Maharani Restaurant, Bentleigh, Stella's Gifts, HO MEI Chines cafe, Doncaster East, and Hair Styling from Philomena's at Mr. Waverly also sponsored other gifts. In addition, gifts were also given away by the 'After Dark' band on the happy occassion. The buffet had a spread of many delicious chaffing dishes including Goa's favourite Sorpotel. After the buffet, came in the toast of the night - the Konkanni and Portugues songs. The crowd was enthralled packing up the floor in seconds, with almost every table deserted. And green, yellow and red kerchiefs bobbed up leading to some traditional Goan dancing into the late night! The evening was co-ordinated by Oscar Lobo and ably supported by Salus Correa, Joe Fernandes and Vidal Franklin, who showed their tacit support and loyalty to the World Goa Day and were acclaimed for the gorgeous and a typical Goan night. Reproduced from the Bharat Times, Melbourne, Australia
