Riyadh: Konkani Kutam Riyadh marked the mid of Advent season with a grand Nathalacho Dabazo here, on Friday, December 18.
Asha Vas welcomed the gathering. The programme started with a carol singing led by Edmund Lewis, followed by a prayer which was conducted by Ivan Vaz, which gave the beautiful message of the Savior. The Word of God was read by Praveen Fernandes, Omzoor. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Anitha D’Sa, Asha Vas, Sunil Moras, Jessy D’Souza, Rupan Almeida and Rita Mathias.
Santa Claus arrived and made the children happy by distributing Christmas gifts and chocolates. The Christmas cake was cut by Santa and all the families joined him for a photograph. The Santa ceremony was compered by little Elita Adrina D’Sa and Ashlyn Rodrigues.
A ‘kuswar’ competition was held in three categories ‘Nevriyos’, ‘Tandlachem Ladoo’ and ‘Chackleo’, conducted by Nita Vaz. Shallet D’Silva, Cynthia Mathias and Eugene Menezes were the judges. The judges were felicitated by Arun D’Souza Palimar, Nelson D’Souza and Condred Nazareth. Kuswar prizes were sponsored by Remi Lobo and Kevin D’Souza Adyar of Namdhari Group.
The winners were: Nevriyos – Metilda Paula (1st), Anitha Shalini (2nd); Rice Chakklis – Anitha D’Sa (1st), Maria Mathias (2nd); Rice Laddoos – Savitha Aranha (1st) and Helen Lewis (2nd).
Later, delicious homemade kuswar was distributed. A sumptuous dinner was served to all guests. A prayer before food was led by Janet D’Souza, Mudarangadi. Kevin Nazareth delivered the vote of thanks.
Eric D’Sa Pangla and Roshan Lobo Bondel eloquently compered the whole event. Royston Prabhu conducted the games and kept the gathering entertained and thrilled. Dance was performed by Ashmita D’Souza, Elita Adrina D’Sa, Karan Raj, Ashlyn Rodrigues and Kevin D’Souza at their best with music by DJ Rayan. In the end, the entire crowd joined together on the dance floor for the traditional Mangalorean Baila.