By Gasper Crasto; Photographs: Simon Dias
Kuwait: Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Rosary Church with a Thanksgiving mass at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait, on 17th November 2011.
Later in the evening Navelim President Mr. Agnello Fernandes hosted a dinner party for club members and families at the Avanti Palace, Salmiya. The place was packed with people from Navelim with their relatives, friends and well-wishers.
The celebrations continued with a cultural program organized to commemorate the beginning of Navelim’s 25 year celebrations. Songs, dances and catwalks were performed by talented Navelim members and guests who made their presence felt.
Esparansa Crasto and her group began the evening with a dance and song performance of ‘River of God’. Tase Noronha and Gasper sang ‘Kalliz Roddlem’, a popular song traditionally sung in Navelim village. Olinda and Simon Dias sang a rhythmic ‘Mog Tuzo’, Jean and Jenny D’Souza rendered a especially composed mando, and Dom Joe Mascarenhas & Gasper were at their best singing an emotional song on St. Francis Xavier – the patron saint of Goa. Marissa Noronha did a catwalk on Gasper-Esparansa's English & Konkani number 'Pixe Chedva' while Sidney Rodrigues entertained everyone with his dance steps. Tase & troupe concluded the cultural program with Goan dulpods.
Kuwait’s popular band 2 S#arp with their lively music accompanied by DJ Brian and compere Gasper Crasto kept the crowd engrossed throughout the night.
President Agnello Fernandes speaking on the occasion highlighted the significance of Navelim in Kuwait and unfurled future plans of the club. While congratulating all members and their families for the sacrifices made over the years in creating a sparkling identity among the huge Indian community in Kuwait, Agnello said, “It's a great achievement for Navelim to step into the Silver Jubilee Year of the club with the feast celebration of Our Lady of Rosary… Celebrating a feast is a shared experience for those who participate. This reinforces the social bonds between our club and others, and shows strength and solidarity to those outside Navelim.”
A number of prizes were distributed during the festivities. The draw of NYC Raffles was held at the hands of Navelim Vice-President Luis Da Silva.
Later, Agnello Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks thanking all Navelkars, members and their families for the support and contribution in making the occasion a grand success.
The descendents of Navelim village in Goa, around the world devoutly hold on to the tradition of celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Rosary which takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of November. The feast in Kuwait is celebrated on the following day.
:::Ruzai Saibinn Official Orasanv:::
Ruzari Saibinni,
Tum amkam ghe tujea gopan,
Lipoi tujea matan,
Tum amkam sanddum nakai ghe,
Dusmanachea hatan - 2
Ami magtanv maie,
Amche hat zoddun
Besanv amcher ghal
Tuje hat ugddun – 2