By Manjunath K. Shresthi
August 24, 2026
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The Konkani language is spoken by 42 different Christian, Hindu & Muslim communities. The language was recognised and got Constitutional status on August 20, 1992. In commemoration of it’s rich legacy, events are held annually. Various Christian & Hindu speaking Konkani communicaties from Karwar taluk in Uttara Kannada (UK) district, Karnataka state, together celebrated the day.
A one day cultural program was witnessed at Shivaji Education Society’s Shankar Babi Sawant community hall in Baad, Karwar on August 20. The highlight of the program was to create awareness of the many Konkani art forms. It was a full day event and entry was free. A total of 90 artists from different fields participated from 10 AM to 10 PM. 23 participating artists were honoured, along with the dignitaries others also attended and lunch was served.
There are 20 traditional Konkani art forms of the Hindu communities & they are: Dhalo, Mandi, Fugdi, Kolata, Gopenaach, Khel, Gumata vada/ savari, Dalche, Kandache, Vhayo, Panchwadya & many more. The Christian Konkani art forms are: Kantar Geeta/Naach, Rosa Velar Gumata, Lagna Vaje, Dalap, Band, Khandap & others.
In the modern era Konkani folk arts are facing a decline and gradually fading out from public memory. Therefore, a Committee has been formed and senior artists from the existing Konkani folk art groups provide excellent training for all these art forms. The performance arranged showcased them in traditional attire, costumes and stage props. The seven hours event was documented through video recording, featuring more than 90 artists. It included female artists and they performed 30 different folk art forms.
Dr. Vasant Bandekar: a resident of Sadashivgad and a veteran artist, he’s a mimicry artist and a Guiness record holder. He has put in more than 58 years of service to the Konkani language. Along with him all the artists, participants and organisers made the days event a grand success.
