The annual ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ will celebrate the diversity and richness of the language with a day-long series of literary and cultural programmes on Wednesday.
Addressing presspersons on Monday, Roy Castelino, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, said the programme will encapsulate Konkani culture and tradition-by showcasing songs, dances, poetry and even traditional food of the community.
“Over 23 organisations are set to take part in the grand event,” he said. The celebrations will begin with simultaneous cultural processions from eight places in the city-Lalbagh, Bunts Hostel, St. Agnes College, Kankanady, Mangaladevi Temple, Attawar, Badriya College and Kudroli-all of which will culminate at Town Hall where day-long programmes are scheduled. ‘Konkani Manyata Divas’ celebrates the inclusion of Konkani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution in 1992. Currently, the language is spoken by more than 50 lakh people primarily along the coast from north Kerala to southern Gujarat. After the hoisting the Konkani flag at 9 a.m., the morning session of the programme will see performances by students of primary, high school and college students, and various cultural organisations. Kasturi and troupe will present Konkani bhavageethe from 9.15 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., said Mr. Castelino.
Town Hall will also see traditional dishes of Konkani community being available for visitors.
Felicitations
The academy will also felicitate heads of 31 organisations, including Mandd Sobhann and Catholic Education Board, that have contributed to the growth of the language.Similarly, individuals who have carried out research on Konkani-related issues or research in Konkani will be felicitated. District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai will inaugurate the celebrations.
