Mangaluru Prepares to Host Prestigious World Konkani Drama Festival and Awards Ceremony in 2026
The vibrant coastal city of Mangaluru is gearing up to become the epicenter of Konkani cultural celebrations as the World Konkani Centre announces the upcoming World Konkani Drama Festival and the World Konkani Awards Ceremony-2026. This significant cultural event is scheduled to take place over two days, on January 31 and February 1, 2026, promising to showcase the rich theatrical heritage of the Konkani language.
Two-Day Festival to Feature Diverse Konkani Plays
According to Nandagopal Shenoy, the president of the World Konkani Centre, the festival will present four distinct Konkani plays, drawing theatre enthusiasts not only from Mangaluru but also from neighboring districts. The carefully curated lineup aims to highlight various facets of Konkani performing arts, from traditional narratives to contemporary expressions.
The inaugural day of the festival will commence with a performance by the children's troupe of Mangalore Sadhana Balaga, under the direction of Prakash Shenoy. They will present the Konkani play 'Bhakta Purandara', offering audiences a glimpse into devotional storytelling. Following this, the Ranga Adhyayana Kendra team from Mangaluru will take the stage with their production of 'Chike Raab' (Hang On), adding a modern touch to the day's proceedings.
Second Day to Showcase Goan Talent and Musical Drama
On the subsequent day, the festival will welcome the Natarang Creations team from Goa, who will perform the Konkani play 'Hedonist', bringing a unique Goan perspective to the event. The theatrical journey will culminate with a spectacular presentation by the Natya Niketan, Kolya team, led by the esteemed Karnataka Kalashree Guru Rajashree Ullal. Their performance of the musical dance drama 'Parijat Phool' is expected to be a visual and auditory feast, blending dance, music, and drama seamlessly.
World Konkani Awards Ceremony to Honor Luminaries
The second day of the event will also host the much-anticipated World Konkani Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding contributions to Konkani theatre and literature. This year, the prestigious Dr P Dayananda Pai World Konkani Rangashreshtha Award will be conferred upon veteran Konkani theatre artiste Francis Fernandes Cascia, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to the art form.
Additionally, Konkani translator Maya Anil Kharangate will be honored with the Dr P Dayananda Pai World Konkani Translation Award, celebrating her efforts in bridging linguistic and cultural gaps through translation. These awards underscore the festival's commitment to preserving and promoting Konkani heritage across generations.
The World Konkani Centre's initiative not only aims to entertain but also to foster a deeper appreciation for Konkani culture among diverse audiences. With its blend of traditional and contemporary performances, coupled with the recognition of artistic excellence, the 2026 festival is poised to be a landmark event in Mangaluru's cultural calendar, reinforcing the city's status as a hub for Konkani arts and literature.
