Mangaluru: Nawayath poetry, Kudubi Holi songs, Siddi rhythms and Kharvi folk verses are sharing a common platform at the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention, bringing together distinct cultural traditions under one language.The convention, organised by Mandd Sobhann titled ‘Konko’nni Niro’nto’ri-So’msar So’raso’ri’ is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon.Beyond the record, the convention is providing a platform for Konkani-speaking communities to showcase their distinct musical traditions.The Nawayath Mehfil team from Bhatkal presented traditional poetry touching on devotion, social reform and shared human origins.Abdul Basit Ikkeri, an executive member of the team, said one of the songs urges people living away from home to reconnect with their roots. He said the members were proud to be part of the record attempt and present their community’s literary and musical traditions on the platform.Noufil Damudi, convener of the group’s Adab o Saqafat committee, said the songs also carried a message of unity among communities. The team is performing poems written by well-known Nawayath poets.For the Kudubi community, the performances draw from songs associated with Holi and other social occasions. These include ‘Gumot’ songs, kolata and wedding songs, as well as verses from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.Lingappa Gowda, a community representative, said three teams were participating: Kudubi Janapada Kala Vedike Yedapadavu; Poojya Sesu Gowda Kudubi Janapada Kala Trust, Kompadav; and Bajpe Swamila Padav Vado.The Siddi community is represented by Amcho MullSiddi Samskruthik Kala Tanda Haliyala and Rising Rays, Mundugodu. Sunil, a community representative, said music and dance were integral to their lives, with traditional forms including Damaami naach, Fugudi, Shigmo, Jakai and Mand.“Though we belong to different religions, we speak Konkani,” he said, adding that members of the Hindu, Muslim and Christian sections of the community participate in one another’s celebrations.The Kharvi community from Bhatkal is presenting folk verses traditionally sung during its five-day Holi celebrations. Sridhar, a community representative, said the songs had been passed down through generations. He said the community’s history was closely tied to the sea and its ancestors’ maritime trade.The convention has also encouraged communities with limited musical archives to create original compositions for the event. Members of the Kudal Deshastha Aadya Gaud Brahmin Samaja from Maharashtra composed songs for the convention after being invited to participate, said Mandd Sobhann president Louis J Pinto.Pinto said the community had little existing literature or music available for such a presentation. Its participation, he said, “is a big achievement for us”.He said the convention was intended to represent Konkani across religious and community boundaries and has brought together several groups, including Catholics, GSB’s, Siddis, Kharvis, Nawayaths, Kudubis and other Konkani-speaking communities.
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