KON-CAB’s annual cultural showcase draws over 400 participants from 11 Bengaluru associations
BENGALURU, October 25, 2026 — Kalanjali 2026, the annual talent showcase organised by the Konkani Catholic Association of Bangalore (KON-CAB), brought together more than 400 participants from around 11 Konkani associations across Bengaluru. Held at Konkan Samudai Bhavan, Kalyan Nagar, the event celebrated Konkani language, culture and artistic expression through a full day of competitions and performances.
For more than three decades, KON-CAB has provided a common platform for Konkani associations to nurture talent, preserve cultural heritage and keep the community’s traditions alive.
A vibrant celebration of Konkani music and performance
The programme opened with a prayer to St Anthony, the patron saint of KON-CAB, led by association secretary Rita Lobo along with the executive committee. President Arun Fernandes formally inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp, accompanied by secretary Rita Lobo, vice-president Sylvester D’Souza, treasurer Harold Lewis and cultural secretary Sunny D’Souza. The president Arun Fernandes then declared Kalanjali 2026 open.
The singing competitions brought together contestants of different age groups, who performed both classic and contemporary Konkani songs. The much-loved works of the late Wilfy Rebimbus, popularly known as Konkan Kogul, along with songs associated with Henry D’Souza, Mic Max and Eric Ozario, evoked nostalgia, while younger performers also showcased songs by contemporary favourites Kevin Misquith and Prajoth D’Souza. The group singing category was a highlight, with performances that demonstrated impressive vocal range and strong ensemble coordination.
The fancy-dress competition delighted the audience with imaginative concepts, costumes and props. A Konkani comedy-skit competition followed, drawing laughter through witty one-liners and lively performances.
The inter-association dance competitions were among the most eagerly awaited segments. Teams representing different associations brought energy, creativity and enthusiasm to the stage across age categories, keeping the packed auditorium engaged throughout the performances.
Kalanjali 2026 ran for approximately nine hours, reflecting the enthusiasm of participants and the audience. The close contests across categories made the task of selecting winners challenging for the experienced judging panels, featuring participants from tiny tots as less than 2 years to those who were 75 plus and young at heart.
Distinguished guests commend KON-CAB’s efforts
The chief guest, Victor Edward D’Souza, entrepreneur, Founder and Managing Director of Neumatica Technologies and former chairman of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA), was welcomed to the dais by president Arun Fernandes and secretary Rita Lobo. FKCA chairman Anthony Gonsalves attended as the guest of honour was ushered to the stage by Cultural Secretary Sunny D’Souza. Presidents of various Konkani Catholic associations in Bengaluru were also present. The solemn stage program was presided by Koncab President Arun Fernandes.
In his address, Victor Edward D’Souza commended KON-CAB for sustaining the event for more than 30 years and praised the improving standard of performances. He encouraged parents to guide young people towards entrepreneurship and seek professional guidance and mentorship through Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE). He also urged young people to build their careers in India and pursue their strengths and interests.
Anthony Gonsalves congratulated the KON-CAB president and team on organising the event and wished the association success in its future initiatives. He reaffirmed FKCA’s support and appreciated KON-CAB’s active participation in FKCA programmes and initiatives.
The chief guest, guest of honour and association presidents presented prizes to the winners.
KON-CAB won the “Most Talented Team” rolling trophy with 41 points and the Winners Trophy was lifted by Cultural Secretary Sunny D’Souza on behalf of Team KONCAB.
SVP KK Banaswadi, RKCWA Rajajinagar and KCWA R.T. Nagar shared the runners-up position with 12 points each.
Judging and programme coordination
The competitions were assessed by experienced judges in their respective fields:
- Singing: Ketan Castelino, Blanche D’Cunha and Theodore D’Souza
- Fancydress and comedy skit: Rev. Fr Joswin Pereira, Jeevan D’Souza and Dr Cynthia Menezes
- Inter-association dance: Jaiprakash Reddy, Ishani Bagchi and Madhu Sibin
Jhonas D’Souza compered the programme, supported by Mable D’Cunha, Helen Noronha, Reshma Tauro, Sladen D’Silva, Stalen D’Silva, Sunny D’Souza, Savita Vaz, Kevin Rodrigues, Reema Dias, Rochelle Lobo, Ida Sequeira, Sylvia Rodrigues, Vinuthan Suares, Sunil D’Cunha and others.
Secretary Rita Lobo delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support and cooperation of everyone who contributed to the event.
Kalanjali 2026 — Competition winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
|
Konkani Singing — Solo, below 10 years |
Jia Concessao (Konkani Samudai, Jayanagar) |
|
Konkani Singing — Solo, 10–15 years |
Leanne D’Souza (Ekvot, Bellandur) |
|
Konkani Singing — Solo, 15–45 years |
Joette D’Souza (KON-CAB) |
|
Konkani Singing — Solo, 45 years and above |
Kavita Rego (KCWA, R.T. Nagar) |
|
Konkani Singing — Duet |
Reshma Jacob and Flenita Lobo (RKCWA, Rajajinagar) |
|
Konkani Singing — Group, below 20 years |
Vodlimai’chi’m Nathra’m (RKCWA, Rajajinagar) |
|
Konkani Singing — Group, 20 years and above |
Sur Sangam (SVP KK, Banaswadi) |
|
Fancy Dress — Solo, below 5 years |
Laniya Castelino (KON-CAB) |
|
Fancy Dress — Solo, 5–10 years |
Reesha Pais (SVP KK, Banaswadi) |
|
Fancy Dress — Solo, 10–15 years |
Shanvi D’Souza (KON-CAB) |
|
Fancy Dress — Solo, 15–20 years |
Aldona D’Silva (KCWA, R.T. Nagar) |
|
Fancy Dress — 20 years and above |
Sunil Tauro (KCA, Mathikere) |
|
Inter-association Comedy Skit |
Steven D’Silva and group (KON-CAB) |
|
Inter-association Dance — above 35 years |
Goenso Utsav (KCWAS, R.T. Nagar) |
|
Inter-association Dance — below 15 years |
Rockstars (MKCK, Mudla Kalyan Nagar) |
|
Inter-association Dance — 15–35 years |
Kalanjali Kaydees (KON-CAB) |
