Media Release

Adyapady Bajpe, Jun 2: 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 organised and sponsored by the cultural group Ami Ani Amchi, known for their recent success with the PePeRePePeDum Brass Band Festival at Kelarai Church Grounds. Denis DSilva (president, Ami Ani Amchi), Santosh DCosta (secretary, Ami Ani Amchi), and Naveen Pierera Suratkal (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 ‘Matwa Podha’ — 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 (Surathkal), 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), Pedru Prabhu (Taccode), Lavi Ganjimata, Henry Mascarenhas (Ganjimata), Lancy Sequeira (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.

Fr Francis Rodrigues, parish priest of Adyapady and former editor of Raknno Konkani weekly presided over the stage function. He was also honoured with the ‘Audience Favourite’ prize for his poetic recital.

Santosh D'Souza, Bajpe, newly elected president of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee and chief guest inaugurated the event. Later, he was felicitated by the organising teams.

The occasion was also graced by Lawrence D'Souza Suratkal, vice president of Catholic Sabha Central Committee. Rolphy DCosta, former Zilla Panchayat member and ex-president of the Catholic Sabha Central Committee, distributed the mementoes to all poets and performers.

Poems by Saraswathi Naik, Goa and Guadalupe Dias of Goa were among the evening’s highlights, captivating the audience with their heartfelt expression.

Poetica team Gurkar Naveen Pierera Suratkal 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.