World Goa Day celebrations in Melbourne on 16 August
World Goa Day began as a little dream in 2003, which in the last 11 years has grown into a grand celebration in Melbourne.
Traditionally, the people of the tiny Indian state on the western coast of Goa have been wanderers, and it is believed that over 450 years of Portuguese rule over Goa, may have had a lot to do with the fact that Goans have since time immemorial, left their homes, their kith and kin to seek fresh pastures in different parts of the world, a tradition that is carried on till this day.
Melbourne is no exception as far as Goans go, and over time quite a population of Goans have accumulated here in Melbourne. Along with other Goans worldwide, Goans in Melbourne too love to celebrate their identity, their unique culture and way of life which is fun loving, welcoming and with a tinge of music, dance and good food.
So now you know why Goans in Melbourne are getting so excited about celebrating World Goa Day, ‘their’ day, when they get to showcase their culture and identity and language (Konkani) to their non-Goan friends, the day they celebrate being Goan.
World Goa Day has been celebrated in Melbourne from 2003, having been started by Councillor Oscar Lobo, his family and close friends.
Plans have been drawn to celebrate this premier event this year on 16 August at the prestigious St Stefans Hall at Keysborough.
Live band VIBE led by Gerard Crouch will provide the music for the evening with Natasha, their firebrand singer leading the way. Among other attractions for the night is Dilip Chico, a Goan entertainer who specialises in Goan and Latin music.
To show off Goa’s rich cultural traditions, Mrs Lidia Martins and her troupe will be performing a floor show comprising what is known as Goa’s ‘Kunbi Dance’, which is a must see program. You do not have to go to Goa for a party when you can witness one in Melbourne.
Capping the night is the promise of not just good food, but a grand buffet, which will be laid out by Messrs D & S Caterers. They have promised an enviable repast that will long be remembered by those attending.
This premier event is hosted by Golden Events Management (GEM) and all members of the Goan community, their guests and friends are invited. Due to the limited availability of seats for this event, the public are encouraged to rush in and book their seats from the first 500 on sale right now. The contact numbers and the details of the event are outlined in the attached flyer.
Indian Events Melbourne
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