BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, April 11, 2025: The Konkani Association of Georgia (KAOGA) recently marked a major milestone—25 years of preserving and celebrating Konkani culture in the Peach State. What began as a small gathering of like-minded families has grown into a thriving community of nearly 200 members, bonded by language, tradition, and a shared heritage.
This year’s Yugadi celebration, the Kannada New Year and one of the association’s flagship events, took on even greater significance as members gathered to honor KAOGA’s Silver Jubilee at the Roswell Recreational Center on March 22. The celebration reflected not only the cultural richness of the Konkani tradition but also the heartfelt unity and dedication that have sustained the group through a quarter-century.
Held in grand traditional style, the event featured authentic homemade Konkani delicacies such as Dalitoi, Saaru, Chane Ghasi, ValVal, Bibbe Upkari, Batate Song, and Awnas Ambe Sasam, all served on banana leaves in seated dining, reminiscent of a temple-style feast. Members dressed in traditional attire, filling the venue with color, warmth, and nostalgic joy. Members also generously sponsored desserts and specialty dishes like Ubbati (Holige), Semiya (Shevige), and Ambado, contributing to a rich and heartwarming meal that reminded many of home.
A special slideshow presentation walked attendees down memory lane, displaying photographs from KAOGA’s early days to the present. The room buzzed with laughter and emotion as stories were shared, old friends identified, and the journey of KAOGA unfolded through visuals and memories.
In a display of spirituality and discipline, adult members recited Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita from memory—a testament to the association’s commitment to passing on both cultural and spiritual heritage. This was followed by a graceful Diya dance performed by the women of the community, who danced around a traditional lamp, illuminating the space with both light and love.
A fun T-shirt design contest added a creative twist to the event, with designs commemorating 25 years of KAOGA’s presence and pride. The day concluded with hot tea and heartfelt conversations, wrapping up a truly memorable celebration.
The roots of KAOGA trace back to 1999, when Sushma Shenoy, a newcomer to Atlanta from Surathkal, Karnataka, experienced the pangs of cultural isolation. Wanting to recreate the warmth and familiarity of her hometown, she, with support from her husband Deepak Shenoy, decided to form a community for Konkani families.
Sushma went through the phone book, looking for Konkani last names, and personally called each one of them to attend the first Yugadi program. She reserved a banquet hall at the now-closed Maharaja Restaurant in Tucker, GA, and catered food for the guests she had thoughtfully invited. It was during that very lunch session that the first KAOGA committee members were formed—marking the humble yet significant beginning of what would become a strong and enduring community.
From those early days, KAOGA has grown into a close-knit and dynamic community that now hosts three major events annually—Yugadi, a summer picnic, and Diwali—bringing together generations of Konkani families across Georgia.
Sushma Shenoy, KAOGA’s founding member, reflected on the journey with heartfelt emotions: “Konkani Association of Georgia is like a child to me. I have seen it grow from its inception and it is 25 years now. It’s our home for promoting Konkani culture and heritage while enjoying community events we pass on to the next generation. Unity is our strength. Wishing years of togetherness in KAOGA.”
Her husband, Deepak Shenoy, echoed her sentiments: “It is such a wonderful feeling to watch our Konkani community grow over the past 25 years and still stay as one large family that cares for each other. Happy to see our youngsters participate in events, especially as committee members. Wishing our association all the best.”
As KAOGA celebrates this important milestone, the spirit of community that sparked its creation continues to thrive with active youth participation, a strong sense of cultural pride, and events that bring people together year after year.
