Mangaluru to Attempt World Record with 12-Day Konkani Singing Marathon

MANGALURU, October 29, 2026: A 12-day singing marathon involving thousands of performers will be the centrepiece of the first World Konkani Music Mega Convention, which Mandd Sobhann will organise in Mangaluru from November 3 to 15.

The event at Town Hall will attempt a Guinness World Records title for the longest singing marathon by multiple singers, targeting 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes of continuous singing. The marathon is scheduled to begin at 6 am on November 3 and conclude at 6.12 pm on November 15.

Titled Konko’nni Niro’nto’ri – So’msar So’raso’ri, the convention aims to bring together Konkani-speaking communities from around the world and promote their musical and cultural heritage. It also marks the Ruby Jubilee, or 40th anniversary, of Mandd Sobhann, a Mangaluru-based Konkani cultural organisation.

Organisers expect more than 6,789 singers to participate in the marathon, performing over 4,500 songs composed by more than 250 composers.

Joel Bab Pereira, known as the So’ngeet Guru, will lead the musical initiative as chief music director. Anil Patrao, Fr Alwyn Sequeira, Alwyn Noronha and Simon Pais will serve as chief music conductors, while Michael Gracias will coordinate teams from Goa.

The convention is dedicated to the memory of Eric Bab Ozario (1949–2025), who worked across several fields to promote Konkani music and culture.

Beyond the record attempt, the 13-day programme will include academic seminars on 12 topics, tributes to 12 prominent artists, a Hall of Fame, exhibitions on Konkani music and culture, and displays of traditional cuisine from different Konkani communities.

The Hall of Fame, open from November 3 to 15 at the Town Hall premises, will showcase the contributions of personalities who have shaped Konkani music. A parallel exhibition will explore the life, music and cultural traditions of Konkani communities.

A children's programme, Ful Fulota, will offer young performers an opportunity to sing Konkani songs in the marathon's musical format. Directed by Shilpa Cutinha and Roshan Bela, the two-hour programme is scheduled for November 13 at 5 pm at Rajaji Park, opposite Town Hall.

The valedictory function is scheduled for November 15 at 6.30 pm. Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been named chief guest, while Ronald Colaco, chairman of the reception committee, will preside.

Entry to all events will be free.

Through the convention, Mandd Sobhann hopes to strengthen connections among Konkani communities worldwide and bring greater international recognition to their language, music and cultural traditions.

By Catholic Connect Reporter