Media Release
Houston, Apr 18: Houston Konkan Catholic Association (HKCA) held a grand celebration for Easter on April 7 at the Irene Stern Community Center in Fulshear, Texas. The venue was beautifully decorated by the décor team which included Karen Miranda, Jennifer D’Souza, Neural Farias, Tanisha Menezes, Mathew D’Souza and Ryan Farias.
More than 130 people in attendance, the day was filled with fun, laughter, games and a strong sense of connection and togetherness.
HKCA members and guests arrived at the venue to the refreshing sight of steaming chai, cool lemonade and delicious appetizers of mixed Pakora, Sheekh Kebabs and Chili Chicken which they thoroughly relished.
The event then began with master of ceremonies, Cleona Philips Monteiro, Rochelle D’Souza, Anessa Mathias, Roma Quadrasand Trinity Fernandes warmly welcoming the gathering to the celebration and outlining the exciting activities planned for the day.
The Easter Egg Hunt held for the children was a beautiful testament to the love and unity that flourishes within HKCA family. The Irene Stern Community field was transformed into an Easter wonderland, filled with colorful eggs and the happy faces of the children as they enthusiastically competed to win the most eggs.
President, Leslie Mathias said a few words to the audience reinforcing HKCA’s commitment towards strengthening the Konkan culture and encouraging members to participate in HKCA’s events. He thanked HKCA’s sponsors for their generous support over the years, as well as core committee members and volunteers for their wholehearted efforts in organizing the event. He also introduced the new members of the HKCA community.
The much-awaited cultural programme began in earnest with infectious music from DJ and events director, Chris Pinto spurring guests to get on the dance floor to display their line dancing skills joined by the effervescent Easter Bunny much to the delight of the crowd.
Throughout the day, there were spot prizes, face painting, and balloon artists that kept the crowd entertained and engaged.
In keeping with the rich Konkan heritage, a group of versatile members, Frank Saldanha, Julie Miranda, Nisha D’Souza, Blendon and Lorain Sequeira, Basil Kenny, Mariet Coutinho, Leslie Mathias, and Anessa Mathias performed a rib-tickling skit in Konkani titled ‘Aao, Mojho Bafat Pitto ani Jezu’ scripted by Tina Mathias that was greatly enjoyed and applauded by one and all.
Next, the stage was set ablaze by the extremely talented dancing champs of HKCA, Kian and Kiara Pattani, Anessa Mathias and Roma Quadras who enthralled the audience with a fusion of hit Bollywood numbers such as Satakli, Zindaa Bandaa, Dance Ka Bhoot, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar and Indiawalle, and left them clamoring for more.
It was then time for the Easter lunch. A heartfelt prayer of gratitude was said by Amith and Ovita Fernandes after which guests sat down to enjoy sumptuous Indian delicacies such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer and Jeera Rice with the signature dish ‘Pork Sorpotel’ being the most loved item on the menu followed by crowd favorites, Ras Malai and Gulab Jamun.
The last part of the event was when guests put their luck to the test. The Icebreaker game was won by Lidwin Machado.
Guests then enjoyed a lively game of Housie-Housie conducted by Eric Saldanha with 6 lucky winners walking away with sizeable prize money.
The event concluded with the highlight of the event; a grand raffle prize of Blue Label Whiskey won by Rudolf Fernandes followed by several smaller raffle prizes won by lucky members.
HKCA is very thankful to the sponsors, participants, members and volunteers for making this day a truly memorable one.