Goa, Oct. 28 -- Dolcy D'Cruz

Women wearing Pano bhaju, sharply dressed men in suits and the beats of the ghumot, it was the real deal when it came to the first-ever Mando Festival in the UK that was held at Hayes Parish Hall. Organised by the Goan Chaplaincy UK in collaboration with its Mass centres, parish volunteers and youth, under the guidance of Fr Renato Andrade, Chaplain of the Goan Chaplaincy UK , the festival brought together around 225 participants with eight groups and an audience of approximately 600. Most performers were Mando singers who had previously performed in Goa and were now settled in the UK, including members of Konkani Mass choirs.

Parishioners from neighbouring parishes and even Goans from Ireland participated, ...