Adyapady:  Poetica proudly hosted its 39th Kavigoshti, a grand Konkani poetry recitation event, on Sunday, June 2, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at St. Antony Church premises, Anthonykatte, Adyapady Parish, near Bajpe International Airport.

The event brought together poets from across Coastal Karnataka and Goa, with more than 125 Konkani poems recited throughout the evening. The gathering served as a vibrant tribute to the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Konkani language.

The program was organised and sponsored by the renowned cultural group Ami Ani Amchi, known for their recent success with the PePeRePePeDum Brass Band Festival held at Kelarai Church Grounds. The event’s success was largely due to the dedicated efforts of Denis D'Silva (President, Ami Ani Amchi), Santosh D’Costa (Secretary, Ami Ani Amchi), and Naveen Pereira Suratkal (Gurkar, Poetica). Rajesh D’Costa, Adyapady, extended his services as the local host.

Vincent Moras from Madanthyar served as the master of ceremonies, while noted poets George Ligory D’Souza (Suratkal) and Lloyd Rego (Taccode) led the event, introducing and guiding the participating poets with finesse.

Adding a cultural dimension to the evening, artists from Rang Tarang, Madanthyar, presented traditional Konkani folk songs known as Matwa Podha — typically sung during weddings, roce ceremonies, and community celebrations — enchanting the audience with their nostalgic charm.

Among the many poets who recited their works were celebrated names such as Naveen Pereira (Suratkal), Roshan Castelino (Paladka), Edi Cardoza (Taccode), Maria Pinto (Kulshekar), Maxim Rodrigues (Bondel), Godwin Pinto (Bejai), Raymond D’Cunna (Taccode), Richchi Piereira (Derebail), Stanislaus D’Souza (Kirem), Edward Lobo (Thokkottu), Pedru Prabhu (Taccode), Lavi Ganjimata, Henry Mascarenhas (Ganjimata), Lancy Sequeira (Suratkal), Remy Katipalla, and Adelaide D'Sa (Katipalla), among others.

The festivities also featured a lively performance by St. Antony’s Brass Band, Anthonykatte, and a unique inauguration ceremony marked by a symbolic jackfruit-cutting ritual, reflecting cultural unity.

The formal stage program was presided over by Fr. Francis Rodrigues, Parish Priest of Adyapady and former editor of Raknno Konkani weekly, who was also honoured with the ‘Audience Favourite’ award for his poetic recital.

Santosh D’Souza from Bajpe, the newly elected President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee and chief guest of the evening, inaugurated the event and was later felicitated by the organising team.

Other dignitaries present included Lawrence D’Souza (Suratkal), Vice President of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee, and Rolphy D’Costa, former Zilla Panchayat member and past President of the Catholic Sabha, who presented mementoes to all poets and performers.

Special performances by poets Saraswathi Naik and Guadalupe Dias from Goa were among the highlights of the evening, moving the audience with their heartfelt verses.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Poetica Gurkar Naveen Pereira Surathkal, bringing the curtain down on an inspiring evening of poetic expression and cultural pride.

Poetica’s 39th Kavigoshti stood as a shining celebration of Konkani literature, fostering a deep sense of unity, identity, and tradition among its people.