Dubai: In a significant step towards taking Konkani language and culture to a global platform, the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, under the patronage of the Government of Karnataka and in the aegis of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, has announced its first-ever Vishwa Konkani Fest in the United Arab Emirates. The day-long cultural festival is scheduled to be held in Dubai in November 2026.
The announcement was made by Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, while addressing a gathering at Winneys Restaurant, Karama. The meeting was attended by presidents of various Konkani associations, community leaders, and prominent business personalities from the Konkani diaspora in the UAE.
Taking Konkani beyond borders
Addressing the gathering, Stany Alvares highlighted the Academy’s sustained efforts to promote, preserve, and modernise the Konkani language through literary, cultural, and academic initiatives across Karnataka and India. He said the proposed Vishwa Konkani Fest marks a historic milestone by extending the Academy’s activities beyond national boundaries and strengthening engagement with Konkani-speaking communities abroad.
He noted that the UAE is home to a large and vibrant Konkani expatriate population and said the Fest aims to serve as a unifying platform for Konkani speakers cutting across religious, social, and organisational affiliations. The festival, he added, would celebrate Konkani literature, art, music, theatre, and cultural heritage, while also encouraging dialogue on the future growth and global relevance of the language.
Strong community collaboration in the UAE
Welcoming the gathering, Stephan Vamanjoor, President of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, expressed pride in the UAE being chosen as the host for the inaugural global Konkani festival. He assured the Academy of full organisational and community support to ensure the success of the event.
James Mendonca, Chief Coordinator of the Vishwa Konkani Fest, briefed attendees on the broad vision of the programme, stating that the festival would bring together artistes, writers, scholars, and cultural practitioners from different parts of the world.
Government support and patronage
Veteran Konkani community leader and distinguished patron Dr Ronald Colaco expressed happiness over the initiative and assured his wholehearted support. He also shared that he had played a key role in securing financial backing from the Government of Karnataka for organising the event in the UAE, underscoring the state’s commitment to promoting Konkani culture globally.
Businessmen Pratap Mendonca and Ronald Martis were present on the dais, lending their support to the initiative.
The programme was compered by Roshan D’Silva, who also proposed the vote of thanks.
A global celebration of Konkani identity
The Vishwa Konkani Fest is envisioned as a landmark cultural congregation that will strengthen bonds between Konkani-speaking communities worldwide, celebrate linguistic diversity, and reinforce the relevance of Konkani in a globalised world. With strong institutional backing and enthusiastic community participation, the festival is expected to become a major international platform for Konkani language and culture.
