Diocese of Mangalore to Host ‘Ninaad 2K26’, a Historic Gathering of Over 6,000 Children
Mangaluru: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Mangalore is set to organise its largest-ever children’s convention, ‘NINAAD – Burgyalem Festh 2K26’, on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) campus in Vamanjoor and is expected to bring together more than 6,000 children from Classes 5 to 10, representing 125 parishes across the diocese.
A Celebration of Faith and Fellowship
Organised as a major event under the ‘Year of Children 2026’, with the motto “Our Children, Fruits of God’s Kingdom,” NINAAD is envisioned as a grand celebration of childhood and God’s gift to humanity.
The convention aims to inspire the younger generation, strengthen their faith, and promote a culture of companionship, sharing, and collaboration. It will bring together children from different parishes to celebrate the love of Jesus and uphold core Christian values.
The Bishop of Mangalore, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, will preside over the gathering and deliver a special pastoral message.
Grand Procession Featuring 125 Patron Saints
The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Vamanjoor Church Hall, with registration and breakfast. At 9:30 a.m., a grand procession will proceed towards the main venue at SJEC.
One major attraction will be the representation of 125 patron saints, with children from all 125 parishes participating in a traditional procession. The procession will also feature tableaux depicting the ‘History of Salvation’, from Creation to Pentecost, presented by the 12 deaneries. Brass bands and cultural performances will add to the celebrations.
Eucharistic Celebration and Special Attractions
The spiritual highlight of the convention will be a Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration at 11:40 a.m., accompanied by a 100-member children’s choir.
In a special afternoon presentation, more than 6,000 children will assemble on the SJEC open turf to form a giant human formation depicting a Eucharistic Host, a Chalice, and a Cross. The formation will be captured using an aerial drone.
The day’s programme will also include an interactive faith-based motivational session, the screening of a documentary titled ‘Faith in the Digital Age’, a parish activity exhibition, and a gospel music and praise session by a youth band.
Pre-Event Competitions and Safety Arrangements
To encourage creative participation ahead of the convention, the diocese has organised an Instagram Reel-Making Competition based on the official theme song, with a total cash prize of Rs 17,500.
The organisers have also made arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of the participating children. These include the implementation of child-safety protocols, a dedicated 24-hour helpline (+91 89703 53016), on-site medical facilities, and standby ambulances.
The convention will conclude at 4 p.m. and will be livestreamed globally on YouTube.
