Media Release
Chicago, Dec 4: Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association (MKCA) USA showcased the rich cultural heritage of India with a variety of performances on December 2 at the Museum of Science and Industry, here on its 75th 'Christmas Around the World' and 23rd 'Holidays of Light' event.
This is the 14th consecutive programme presented by MKCA-USA at this annual jamboree. The annual celebration of Christmas Around The World exhibit commenced in 1942 with a single tree decorated every day for 12 days to represent the countries fighting alongside the United States during World War II and now it has more than 50 trees and displays. This year marks the 23rd Holidays of Light exhibit at the museum. It focuses on the tradition of the Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day and St Lucia Day. Participants from different ethnic backgrounds representing more than 50 countries are participating in this mega event that began the day after Thanksgiving Day on November 24 and ending on January 7, 2018.
The Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree, located in Rotunda is four-storey high, extending from floor to dome. It pays homage to the exhibit with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and hundreds of Disney-inspired ornaments and trimmings. It is surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to reflect their diverse culture and holiday traditions. Guests can stroll through the dazzling forest of trees, enjoy intermittent falling ‘snow’ every half hour and on weekends, savor the performances of various dance and choral groups on the holiday stage.
MKCA-USA president, Vissia D’Souza, welcomed the audience. She stated that this programme was made possible by various cultural organizations of Indian origin and thanked all the groups, members and well-wishers for their contributions.
The cultural programme began with two traditional Bharatanatyam dances by Mandala South Asian Performing Arts, Inc. The first dance honoured the lord of dance, Shiva followed by the cute five to six year old members presenting a dance on Krishna. This was followed by Soorya Dance Academy's, semi classical fusion dance which consisted of rhythmical footwork and an Indian classical fusion dance - choreographed by the popular song ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran. Culture in Motion dance team performed a semi-classical fusion Bollywood piece with combination songs - Ghanana Remix, Aaja Naachle and Chittiaan Remix. Spectators were thrilled by the variety, serenity and high voltage of the dances that depicted classical and regional facets of the Indian subcontinent.
MKCA members along with choir master Concy Mesquita and flute player, Suraj Mesquita, boosted the Christmas spirit of the audience with fabulous Christmas carols sung in Konkani. Mary and Joseph along with baby Jesus' entrance during the carol singing added a magnificent touch to the carols. As all the dance performers entered the dais, MKCA choir group sang 'Dashing through the snow' and 'We wish you a Merry Christmas'. Santa Claus and Senorita Claus entertained the audience with their dance for the song 'Dashing Through the Snow' and wishes of the season.
Under the leadership and compeering of the programme by the secretary of the association, Queenie Mendonca, this programme was a grand success. The executive committee announced that the grand annual programme of the year, the Nathal Fest - 2017 (Christmas) will be held on December 16 at Viceroy of India Restaurant at Lombard, Illinois.
For further information, please contact mkcausa@gmail.com or contact Queenie Mendonca at 708-837-0223 or Vissia D'Souza at 224-419-3677.