Poetica’s 39th Kavigoshti Celebrates Konkani Poetry at St Antony Church, Anthonykatte, Bajpe
Mangalore: Poetica proudly hosted its 39th Kavigoshti, a grand Konkani poem recitation event, on Sunday from 4 PM to 9 PM at St Antony Church premises, Anthonykatte, Adyapady Parish, near Bajpe International Airport. The event gathered poets from across Coastal Karnataka and Goa, with over 125 poems recited, celebrating the vibrant heritage of Konkani literature.
The event was proudly organized and sponsored by the cultural group Ami AniAmchi, known for their recent success with the PePeRePePeDum Brass Band Festival at Kelarai Church Grounds. Denis DSilva (President, Ami AniAmchi), Santosh DCosta (Secretary, Ami AniAmchi), and Naveen PiereraSuratkal (Gurkar, Poetica) were instrumental in its success. Rajesh DCosta, Adyapadi gave his services as local host.
Vincent Moras of Madanthyar served as the Master of Ceremonies, while distinguished poets George Ligory Dsouza (Suratkal) and Lloyd Rego (Taccode) headlined the event and skillfully introduced the participating poets.
Leaders from Rang Tarang, Madanthyar, added a cultural highlight by performing Konkani ‘MatwaPodha’ — traditional songs sung during weddings, roce, and similar community celebrations — enchanting the audience with their folk charm.
The poets who recited included notable names such as Naveen Pierera (Suratkal), Roshan Castelino (Paladka), Edi Cardoza (Taccode), Maria Pinto (Kulshekar), Maxim Rodrigues (Bondel), Godwin Pinto (Bejai), Raymond DCunna (Taccode), Richchi Piereira (Derebail), Stanislaus DSouza (Kirem), Edward Lobo (Thokkottu), PedruPrabhu (Taccode), Lavi Ganjimata, Henry Mascarenhas (Ganjimata), LancySequeira (Suratkal), Remy Katipalla, and Adelaide Dsa (Katipalla), among others.
The festivities featured a lively performance by St Antony’s Brass Band, Anthonykatte, and a unique inauguration ceremony with a jackfruit-cutting ritual symbolizing cultural unity.
Rev Fr Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Adyapady and former editor of Raknno Konkani Weekly presided over the stage function. He wasalso honored with the ‘Audience Favourite’ prize for his poetic recital.
Santosh Dsouza, Bajpe, newly elected President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee and Chief Guest inaugurated the event. Later he was felicitated by the organizing teams. The occasion was also graced by Lawrence Dsouza Suratkal, Vice President of Catholic Sabha Central Committee. RolphyDCosta, former Zilla Panchayat member and ex-President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee, distributed the mementoes to all poets and performers.
Poems by SaraswathiNaik, Goa and Guadalupe Dias of Goa were among the evening’s highlights, captivating the audience with their heartfelt expression.
Poetica team Gurkar Naveen PiereraSuratkal conveyed vote of thanks.
Poetica’s 39th Kavigoshti was a shining testament to the rich tradition of Konkani poetry, fostering unity and cultural pride across the region.