By Sunny Nazareth
“Gloria in Excelsius Deus” sang the magic in heaven and the echo of this beautiful messianic greeting resonated on earth, that too, with deep impact at the Carmel School on Friday, December 21. The Occasion? Christmas tree celebrations organized on a visibly grand scale by the Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait.
The palatial venue was virtually transformed into a fairyland. And the moods? Hold your breath! In the ‘fast-forward mode’! The fabulous Christmas celebrations amalgamated with glitter and glamour were captured on the radar of Santa’s mind, apparently sleighing in some Nordic region and with beautiful and bountiful gifts Santa descended at the vestibule mistaking it for his traditional Vienna. Such was the terrific impact of the celebrations.
Kuwait’s latest band, "Exodus" led by Socorro de Mello and Philip had the guests on cloud nine, musically speaking and Kuwait’s popular DJ Mario was also in his own musical world excitedly spinning discs to set the pulse racing. After the ceremonial cutting of the Christmas Cake, Carmo Santos, Chairman of the Goan Cultural Centre extended his joyful greetings and added that such celebrations mark joy, hope, peace and love, perennially associated with the Christmas season.
Chief Guest, Krishan C. Bhar, Air India manager for Kuwait and Cyprus regions wished heartiest greetings on the joyous occasion and was full of praise for the organizers Ashok Kalra one of the managing partners of the prestigious Moghul Mahal chain of speciality restaurants congratulated the organizers for the beautiful celebrations which ushers in the spirit of goodwill.
Sr. Maria Lytta AC, principal of the Carmel School lauded the Goan Cultural Centre for putting up such impressive Christmas Tree celebrations. Another note-worthy personality to grace the occasion was Fr. Melwyn D’Cunha, Vicar at the Holy Family Cathedral. Eng. Suresh Naik, President of the Goan Cultural Centre thanked the guests and expressed his profound appreciation for making the celebration a memorable one.
The cup of Christmas joy was overflowing in all direction and the Christmas Tree was adorned with a necklace of striking pearls consisting of a fabulous fancy dress competition arranged by Felia Alphonso, beautiful carol singing by Lorraine de Melo, Monica, Flavia and Carrie Santos, competitive nativity tableau arranged by Lorraine, stunning dance portrayal by troupe JOVAS XLNC choreographed by Jyoti and Sunil, terrific dance depicting by Gilberto, Lester, Corraine and Valiza arranged by Effie de Melo, enjoyable games for children upto the age of twelve, bingo, hamper, spot prizes, prizes for lucky tickets and above all, an earthly buffet with thanksgiving to the Divine Providence.
Conchita Cardoz and Mahesh had the guests splitting their sides with fun and laughter with excellent compering. All said and done, the Christmas Tree celebrations were worth attending. Stage set-up and hall decoration were done by Babit Dourado.
Photographs by professional photographer: Rewon Gomes, www.goa-world.com team
