Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 31: Intensive rehearsals, technical setups, and full-scale coordination are currently in high gear as Mandd Sobhan prepares to host the World Konkani Music Mega Convention from November 3 to 15 at Town Hall, Mangaluru.

Marking the renowned cultural organisation’s 40th anniversary (ruby jubilee) and dedicated to the memory of its late visionary Gurkar Eric Ozario, the historic 13-day event has brought together 40 assistant music coordinators, hundreds of volunteers, and invited teams to fine-tune operations ahead of the grand opening.

The centerpiece of the convention is an ambitious attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest continuous singing marathon by multiple singers, titled ‘Konko’nni Niro’nto’ri – So’msar So’raso’ri’. Running non-stop for 12 days, 12 hours, and 12 minutes — starting at 6 am on November 3 and concluding at 6:12 pm on November 15 — the marathon will feature 300 rotating teams performing over 4,500 distinct Konkani songs without repeating singers or tracks.

Under the direction of chief music director Sangeeth Guru Joel Pereira, the attempt unites more than 6,700 vocalists representing diverse regional dialects, religions, and background communities from India, Australia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.

In addition to the singing marathon, the Rs 3-crore convention will feature an official inauguration by Goa chief minister Dr Pramod Sawant, benediction by bishop of Mangalore Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, and a valedictory address on November 15 by chief minister D K Shivakumar.

The broader programme encompasses 12 academic seminars on topics ranging from traditional folk music to AI in the music industry, the ‘Ful Fulota’ youth talent platform on November 13, the presentation of the World Konkani Musical Excellence Award to 12 veteran artists, historical exhibitions, a hall of fame, and regional Konkani food stalls.