55 Plus Goan Association’s
JAMBO MASALA NITE- TUESDAY 21st AUGUST 2007.
By: Muriel Lucas

JAMBO - JAMBO BWANA - HABARI GANI - MZURI SANA..............
(Trans: Hello – Hello Sir – What’s Up – Everything Okayl)

(Click on Thumbnails for larger view)

55 PGA group took us to a journey of a lifetime of happy memories when we went down memory lane and combined an
inspirational element of embracing the African image of reliving the past, on the 2lst August 2007, -
when we revisited........

Uganda.... "Pearl of Africa" -
Kenya...... "City 'Neath the Sun -
Tanzania... " Haven of Peace" ...................................

.....all in one night, at the Mississauga Senior's Centre.

No introduction to East Africa would be complete, without mentioning the people - our members.
We were touched by the Camaraderie of spirit of our Senior Wanainchis , 146 altogether, some of whom came out in style, with their colourful African Attire i.e. Kangas, Kitenges, "Boubouis" and one that stole the show, Dominic and Rose De Souza who portrayed a Masai couple, Dominic as a Masai Warrior with a Spear and STERN - FACED - and Rose with a 'baby' strapped on her side! Everyone's colourful outfits recreated an atmoshpere of an aura & ambience so unique and pleasurable to see !

Many thanks to Miss Melanie Nazareth, who came out in support and spruced things up with her unique selection of African songs, which got everyone on their feet and danced to the tunes of the African beat!

A mouth-watering tribute of the Chefs of the day, mainly Mrs. Goes, who prepared the delicious Bazi and Mohogo, and the rest of the meal, the Idli and Sambar & Mandazi, was catered out from other sources, To wash this down was the exotic Coconut Water.

The dessert was the scrumptious "HALWA" - which really touched the spot! - followed by coffee and tea.

The Hi - Lite of the evening was the impromptu African Skit which was acted on stage by Fred D' Souza, Marina Noronha and Carlos Menezes, who acted as his aides., which left everyone in stitches! - We are indeed proud to have talented members in our organization!

Frank Fernandes pulled all punches with his Kiswahili jokes. He also headed the Konkani songs, accompanied by Lucy Fernandes, Lynn Souza Marques, and Ella Dias.

Frank also ran the Bingo for the evening with Tony Fernandes' assistance, with $$ and $$s in prizes.

Many thanks to Mrs. Millie Correa, ( who prompted this idea of "Jambo Masala" and also came adorned with a "Mama Ngina" style outfit! and praise goes out to our Social Secretary, Juliet Rebello - who as usual - followed it through to perfection!.

Thanks also goes out to the telemail committee for a job well done, in ensuring the smooth flow of this event ,before, during and after the event!

Many, many thanks to our Cameraman, Mr.Uvy Lopes - for his kind gesture in taking out the photo shoots, and as always, a job well done!

Thanks also goes out to Stan Noronha, for taking care of the Coffee & Tea.

Thanks to Theo Fernandes and Monica Souza Marques for looking after the front desk, as always! -

To all the helpers - it was understood - ' HAKUNA MATATA' ............

KWAHERI

Muriel Lucas
General Secretary
for 55+ Goan Association.

A Typical Christian Wedding In Goa
The Gala Event Will Drain A Groom's Budget

From: http://mangalorean.com/printarticle.php?arttype=broadcast&newsid=51249
By Jenny Coutinho, Goa
[The author is a writer, columnist and French teacher by profession]

Goa August 24: For many Indians, weddings are a celebration -- an occasion to remember and cherish throughout their lives. And they will put all the money they have into one. The cost of a wedding for the rich starts at 5,00,000 rupees (approx. US$12,000) while for the middle class it starts at 2,00,000 rupees (approx. $4,800). For example, Malwin D'Souza, who works in the Cayman Islands, got married to Ashwini Rebello on April 28. He hails form a middle class family. His wedding cost was 3,00,000 rupees (approx. $7,200).

D'Souza and Rebello come from upwardly mobile middle class Goan families. Because their friends and relatives have celebrated their weddings in similar style, they cannot buck the tradition.

Typical Christian weddings in Goa are an expensive affair, what with the bridal gown, suits for the groom and best man, dresses for the bridesmaids, floral decorations, catering, not to mention the charges for the hall, car, MC and band. And let's not forget the cost of the clothes for all the relatives -- a severe drain on one's resources for those with large families.

A typical Goan catholic wedding begins with a lavish lunch for all the villagers, which is hosted by the bride and groom at their respective homes one week before the wedding. It is an occasion is to remember forefathers who have passed away. Some say it is old Hindu tradition that the Christians continued when they converted to Christianity.

The gifts parents give to their daughters have changed. In earlier years, copper utensils and many household items were given as well as cash. Nowadays, a bride will receive a washing machine, TV, refrigerator and a host of modern gadgets. Cash in the form of fixed deposits are given to the daughter at the time of her marriage.

On the day of the wedding, the bride wears gold and a white gown. The groom wears black or a dark blue suit. Some catholic Indians prefer to wear a sari (bride) and a Sherwani suit (groom). Bridesmaids wear colorful dresses that add splendor to the wedding.

The bride and groom travel to the church in the most luxurious car they can hire for the day. The best church choir is hired. And the church is decorated by the best decorator.

After the ceremonies are over, and the priest declares the couple husband and wife, it is time for music and dancing. Some prefer to an outdoor dance floor; others, a less costly indoor hall.

The master of ceremonies regulates the show on the dance floor while the musicians play their music. The toastmaster makes his appearance after the first dance ands gives the couple advice.

A leading band charges some 20,000 to 30,000 rupees (approx. $480-720). Because the music has to stop by 11 p.m. by state law, the band will typically play for three or four hours.

A Goan wedding is incomplete without liquor. A lavish buffet is also laid out. The guests will be sure to take home some mementoes from the couple's wedding.

The wedding expenses do not end there. Couples will be familiar with Goa's beaches and so prefer to spend their honeymoon elsewhere -- in a hill station or even in breathtaking Mauritius, if they can afford it. Those who cannot will celebrate their weddings in a much less lavish way.

Middle class Goans will feel the pinch of a high cost wedding but they are unable to break away from the lavish spending system and go for simpler weddings because of societal pressure.

[This article has also appeared on ohmynews.com]

Printed from www.mangalorean.com