The first World Goa Day Celebrations in Adelaide, capital of South Australia, turned out to be major success with the organizers hoping to make the event an annual affair.

It was a community fund raiser event held on August 27and seemed to become an instant hit with participants of all ages, who enjoyed Goan music, food, dance performances and games.

The event was organized to raise funds for The Beth-Beth-Lehem Association, a non-profit organisation situated in Karwar. This residence cares for dozens of homeless and mentally ill men rescued from the streets of the big cities.

A documentary on Beth-Beth-Lehem was screened for the benefit of the guests who made generous contributions towards the association.

Fr Salvador Gomes Coutinho, Superior General of Beth-Beth-Lehem, in live video address from Goa to the guests in South Australia thanked the gathering for their generosity and care shown to the association.

Fr Coutinho offered prayers and blessings to the people of Australia and thanked the Goan community for having undertaken the project to raise funds for the association.

Two senior Goans in South Australia Nancy (91) and Bertha Fernandes (98) were honoured for their contribution in the society.

The audience were treated to a sumptuous Goan spread which the famous multi layered Goan cake Bebinca.

A troupe of young Goans Michell Cardoso, Lareina Fernandes, Sasha Sequeira, Allwyn D’Souza, Alfred Viegas and Wilbur Glenn Colaco presented the Goan/Portuguese Folk Dance ‘Corridinho’ and other hip swaying Goan dances.

Viewers from across the globe watched the entire proceeding live via live streaming.