Experience a slice of Goa in the UAE

You can take a Goan out of Goa but you can never take Goa out of a Goan is an age-old adage.

And this will be proven again when the vibrant community from the tiny coastal state of India comes together to celebrate the UAE's first World Goa Day (WGD).

The WGD, which marks the recognition of Konkani as an official language in India, is celebrated across the world, including the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Cynthia Fernandes, convenor of the UAE chapter, said: “The idea was first mooted by London-based Goan Rene Barreto in 2001 for preserving the culture, music, language and cuisine of Goa, especially for children growing up in foreign countries.''

Fernandes said the WGD is a celebration of everything Goan — Goan culture, food, traditional songs (mandos), dance (dekhni) and the Goan passion for life.

“From sampling traditional delicacies to graceful folk dances and distinctive up-tempo music, the World Goa Day is sure to have our patrons asking for more,'' she said.
The event hopes to encapsulate the joie de vivre associated with the Goan way of life, with a special song Proud to be a Goan also being composed for the event.

There are jiving competitions, dinner vouchers, and loads of other surprises lined up for the evening, including a return ticket to Goa

Some of Goa's biggest bands and musicians will attend the event, including True Colors, Ringo Star & Kim and Sanyo, while DJs Heston, Nevz, Goa and Dale will keep party animals on their toes.

For more: www.cynthiafernandes.com

Cultural event: World Goa Day

August 1992 witnessed the inclusion of Konkani in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution and Goans celebrate this by holding socio-cultural events. This is the first time the event is being organised in the UAE. It has grown from six to roughly 40 participating organisations all over the world, including in the US, UK, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Pakistan and Germany.

• WHERE: Renaissance Dubai, Deira
• WHEN: August 7 at 7pm
• TICKETS: Dh100