Suragya Sar and Ovyo Gavuya -- A Report

First Online: May 22,2005
Page Last Updated: September 07,2008

After arduous efforts, the book 'Suragya Sar' (garland of Suranga flowers), a collection of Konkani traditional songs, saw light of the day. These songs on various rituals of Konkani wedding were collected by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat, and  late Dr. Krishnanad Kamat over a span of three decades. Named after a very fragrant flower of Konkan coast, it was published by Basti Prakashan Thumbay 574170, Bantwal (D.K) Karnataka. The publisher Basti Vaman Shenoy is a former President of Karnataka State Konkani Academy and presently heads All India Konkani Parishad.

The book was released on 19th of February 2005 at the 17th session of the All India Konkani conference held at Kumta  in North Kanara.

After publishing this collection of long-forgotten songs, Mr. Shenoy thought of a workshop for Konkani housewives who could be trained in singing these songs in the traditional way. Fortunately, Mrs. Anuradha Dhareshwar, well known light-music singer and state award winner, and who worked for the Radio knew all the tunes. Under her guidance, the workshop was arranged at Kashimath, Bangalore, between 19th and 24th of April 2005. Twenty five participants from five districts of the state participated.

These songs besides important Konkani wedding rituals also contain wit and humor, lampooning at times. They formed good entertainment of repartee to bride and grooms party in olden days.

Ovyo Gavuya (Let us sing ovis), selected ovis (songs), were recorded and audio CD and cassette were cut. These were released by Mr. K.P. Laxman Rao Principal Accountant General (Karnataka) who despite living in several states of India and a busy schedule, keeps contact of his mother tongue and other cultural activities.

kamat.com/Kamat's Potpourri

Cover of "Ovyo Gavuya" CD
Ovyo Gavuya is a collection of Konkani folk songs sung by women during weddings

Learning Konkani traditional songs and participating in group singing and voicing them in cassette form was a big boost to Konkani housewives. In fact, women kept this tradition alive over centuries, by singing, teaching and learning orally. Only of late, this tradition was forgotten. Due to modernization and globalization where English language is reigning supreme, minority languages, customs and rituals are suffering a slow death. 'Suragya Sar' and 'Ovyo Gavuya' did play an important role in creating awareness about the lost heritage.

A Limited number of the Konkani CD "Ovyo Gavuya" are available in USA for $9.99. Please call 205-251-5977 to order.

See Also:

• Synopsis of Suragya Sar -Garland of Suragi Flowers