The Cultural Council of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics in association with Young Inspirators Network (YIN) Gomantak, successfully organized its Annual Inter-Collegiate Ghumat Aarti Competition titled “Ghumat Tarang” on 30th September 2024 from 10.30 am onwards at Multipurpose Hall. The event aimed to celebrate and revive the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi through traditional music, featuring Ghumat Aarti performances. The venue was beautifully decorated with a rangoli of Lord Shankara at the entrance and a backdrop depicting Kailash Parvat with Lord Ganesha seated in the appearance of Lord Shankara, alongside a Shivling, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity.
A total of 11 Colleges participated in the event with participation from 124 students (122 male, 2 female):
- VVM’s Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law, Margao
- SS Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Cujira, Bambolim
- Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Borim, Ponda
- Vidhya Prabodhini College of Commerce, Alto-Porvorim
- Government College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Sanquelim
- Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola
- MES’s Vasant Joshi College of Arts & Commerce, Zuarinagar, Vasco
- Agnel College of Arts & Commerce, Pilar, Goa
- PES Ravi S. Naik’s College of Arts & Science, Farmagudi, Ponda
- Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre, Assagao, Mapusa
- Gvm’s GGPR College of Commerce & Economics, Panjim
The event began with a mesmerizing welcome dance performed by college students followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Officiating Principal Prof. Sanjay P. Sawant Dessai delivered an energizing welcome address, and Prof. Subramanyam Bhat spoke about the significance of the day’s event. The judges for the competition, Mr. Manthan Mokatkar and Mr. Sahil Naik, were introduced. Both are talented musicians associated with Sai Damodar Aarti Mandal, renowned for their expertise in traditional instruments.
The competition was conducted in two sessions, the morning session featured performances by five teams, each team assigned a divine name to ensure impartiality. Aartis such as Aarti Anant Puja and Shree Gurudev Nilkant filled the hall with devotional energy, creating a spiritual ambiance. After the lunch break, the afternoon session resumed with six more teams, each presenting their aarti with passion and enthusiasm, keeping the competitive spirit alive.
Following the performances, the Cultural Secretary Tanish Patil expressed gratitude with a heartfelt vote of thanks. While the judges deliberated on the final scores, the audience enjoyed spot performances, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the event.
The day culminated with the much-anticipated prize distribution:
- First Prize: Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre (Team Omkareshwara)
- Second Prize: PES Ravi S. Naik’s College of Arts & Science (Team Nilkant)
- Third Prize: Gvm’s GGPR College of Commerce & Economics (Team Rudra)
Special individual prizes were awarded as follows:
- Best Singer:SS Dempo College of Commerce & Economics (Team Shankara)
- Best Shamel: Vidhya Prabodhini College of Commerce (Team Nagesha)
- Best Ghumat Sanch: Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola (Team Nateshwara)
- Best Kasale: Gvm’s GGPR College of Commerce & Economics (Team Rudra)
The event ended on a high note, with everyone in the hall coming together to perform the traditional fugdi dance to the chant of Bappa Morya Re, reflecting the unity and spirit of the occasion. The competition was a tremendous success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students and the support of sponsors. The event was coordinated by Dr. Sheetal Arondekar (Convenor, Cultural Council) while faculty members Ms. Akshada Gaonkar, Ms. Girija Gaonkar served as a teacher in-charge of the event.
Expected Outcome of the Activity
The event fostered a sense of community and cultural appreciation among participants and attendees, successfully reviving the festive spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi. It also provided a vibrant platform for showcasing talent and promoting traditional arts.
