Mangaluru: Mandd Sobhann, the premier Konkani cultural organisation established in 1986, is celebrating its Ruby Jubilee with the first-ever World Konkani Music Mega Convention, titled Po’ylo Vishv Konkani So’ngeet Mo’hame’ll. The 13-day event will be held at Town Hall, Mangaluru, from November 3 to 15, 2026.
The announcement was made by Mandd Sobhann president Louis J. Pinto at a press conference held at Hotel Goldfinch, Mangaluru, on October 27.
Addressing the media, Pinto said the convention aims to unite Konkani communities worldwide, showcase the richness of Konkani music, raise its international profile and foster pride in the community’s cultural heritage.
The mega convention will feature a wide range of musical, cultural and academic programmes and is dedicated to the memory of the late Eric Ozario, Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann, whose contributions to Konkani music were significant.
The convention will be inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on November 3 at 5 a.m. at Town Hall, Mangaluru. Bishop of Mangaluru Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha will deliver the benediction, while Dr. Ronald Colaco, president of the World Konkani Music Mega Convention Reception Committee, will preside over the inaugural ceremony.
Guinness World Records Title Attempt
A major highlight of the convention will be an attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for the longest singing marathon by multiple singers. Beginning at 6 a.m. on November 3, the event is planned to run continuously for 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes, concluding at 6.12 p.m. on November 15.
Titled Konko’nni Niro’nto’ri – So’msar So’raso’ri (Eternal Konkani – Unto the World’s End), the singing marathon will bring together participants from India, Australia, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.
The initiative will unite people from Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities, representing a wide range of Konkani-speaking groups, including Christians, Goud Saraswat Brahmins (GSBs), Kudali Deshasthas, Kharvis, Kudumis, Siddis, Nawayaths and Syrian Christians, along with other linguistic communities.
According to the organisers, more than 6,789 singers are expected to perform over 4,500 Konkani songs in various dialects, featuring compositions by more than 250 composers. A total of 300 teams will perform for one hour each, with no repetition of singers or songs.
Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira will serve as the chief music director for the record attempt. The organisers said the attempt has been registered with the Guinness World Records office in London and that a senior official adjudicator has been appointed to oversee the proceedings.
International Symposium on Konkani Music
To add academic depth and an international dimension to the convention, 12 seminars have been planned on various aspects of music and its cultural significance.
The topics and speakers are:
- Konkani Devotional Music – Goa: Fr. Onesies D’Cruz
- Konkani Devotional Music – Mangaluru and Beyond: Fr. Jayaprakash D’Souza
- Konkani Folk Music – Goa: Dr. Cosmo Fernandes
- Konkani Folk Music – Mangaluru and Beyond: Dr. Preethi Keerthi D’Souza
- Music for Health: Ankush Nayak
- International Music: Dr. Paolo Pacciolla
- Baila Music: Alwyn Fernandes
- Musicians and Their Compositions: Neeta Rebello
- Theatre and Cinema Music: Cajetan Dias
- Impact of Mandd Sobhann Music: Rev. Dr. Alwyn Serrao
- Intellectual Property Rights: Dr. Sayonara Telles
- Artificial Intelligence and Music: Rev. Dr. Victor Ferrao
World Konkani Musical Excellence Awards
Twelve senior musicians who have made significant contributions to Konkani music will be honoured with the World Konkani Musical Excellence Award. Five of the awards will be conferred posthumously.
The awardees are:
- Chris Perry (Goa), posthumously
- Lawrence Saldanha (Mumbai)
- Fr. Lino De Sa (Goa)
- Vasanthi R. Nayak (Mangaluru), posthumously
- Alfred Rose (Goa), posthumously
- Shridhar Kharvi (Bhatkal)
- Melwyn Peris (Mangaluru)
- Nemiraja Gowda (Kompadavu, Dakshina Kannada)
- Jerome D’Souza (Mumbai), posthumously
- Mamdu Ibrahim (Shiroor)
- Ullas Buyão (Goa), posthumously
- Juliana Siddi (Haliyal)
Prominent personalities from the political and cultural spheres will present the awards.
Special Programme for Children
A special musical programme titled Ful Fulota (The Flower Is Blooming) will be held on November 13 at the Rajaji Park Amphitheatre, opposite Town Hall. Designed for children aged 10 to 16, the programme will encourage younger generations to participate in the Konkani musical tradition through a format inspired by the non-stop singing marathon.
Exhibition and Cultural Attractions
Several attractions will complement the musical performances and academic sessions:
- Exhibition: A showcase of the history of Konkani music and the life, traditions and culture of the Konkani people will be organised on the Town Hall premises.
- Hall of Fame: A dedicated section will honour senior and contemporary musicians who have contributed to the growth and recognition of Konkani music.
- Konkani Cuisine: Food stalls featuring delicacies from various Konkani communities will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s diverse culinary traditions.
Valedictory Ceremony
The singing marathon is scheduled to conclude at 6.12 p.m. on November 15, followed by the formal valedictory programme. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will attend the closing ceremony.
Preparations for the Mega Convention
The public announcement of the record attempt was made on August 31, 2025, during the funeral of Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario. Since then, extensive preparations have been underway to ensure the successful conduct of the event.
The arrangements include compiling thousands of songs, documenting lyrics, forming 300 performing teams, distributing musical tracks and preparing karaoke tracks for the selected songs. Forty assistant music coordinators have been appointed to supervise rehearsals.
Additional preparations include maintaining attendance records, collecting participant declaration forms, and arranging accommodation, travel, catering and comprehensive volunteer training.
The organisers have estimated the total budget for the convention at approximately ₹3 crore. They described the expenditure as an investment in promoting Konkani music internationally and laying a strong foundation for the future of the Konkani language and culture.
The organisers expressed confidence that the government and the public would extend their support to make the initiative a success. They also appealed to media representatives to cover the daily programmes and encourage people from all walks of life to participate in the convention.
Members Present at the Press Conference
Those present at the press conference included:
- Louis J. Pinto, President, Mandd Sobhann
- Roy Castelino, Chairman, Finance Committee, World Konkani Music Mega Convention
- Joel Pereira, Chief Music Director, World Konkani Music Mega Convention
- Joachim Stany Alvares, Coordinator, Mandd Sobhann
- Ronald Crasta, Secretary, Mandd Sobhann
- Michael Jude Gracias, Goa Coordinator, World Konkani Music Mega Convention
Editorial note: The organisers’ stated schedule and Guinness World Records plans have been presented as announced. The record attempt should not be described as an achieved record unless it is subsequently verified and officially confirmed.