First World Konkani Music Mega Convention 2026 in Mangaluru
Mangaluru is set to host the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention from November 3 to November 15, 2026, bringing together Konkani singers, musicians, cultural enthusiasts and communities from across India and abroad for a large-scale celebration of Konkani music and heritage.
The mega convention is being organised by Mandd Sobhann as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, marking four decades of work in Konkani language, music, culture and performing arts.
A 12-Day Konkani Singing Marathon
The central attraction of the convention will be a continuous singing marathon lasting 12 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes. The initiative aims to create a new Guinness World Records achievement for the longest singing marathon by multiple singers.
More than 6,000 singers are expected to participate in the musical initiative, representing different regions, communities and Konkani-speaking groups from India and abroad. Around 5,000 Konkani songs are planned to be presented during the marathon.
The participating singers will represent the diverse musical traditions and communities connected with Konkani culture. The programme is planned to include participants from Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and other parts of India, along with Konkani communities living overseas.
Celebrating the Diversity of Konkani Music
The convention will showcase the wide musical heritage of the Konkani language. Singers from different Konkani-speaking communities are expected to come together on one platform, reflecting the diversity of Konkani musical traditions.
The musical presentation will include songs associated with Christian, Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, Daldi, Kudmi, Kharvi, Siddi, Syrian Orthodox and other communities. Together, the performances will highlight the different cultural influences, dialects and musical traditions that form part of the wider Konkani heritage.
Music Symposiums and Knowledge Sessions
Alongside the singing marathon, the convention will feature a series of symposiums and knowledge sessions covering different aspects of Konkani music.
- Folk music of Goa
- Religious music
- Music and health
- Mangalorean Konkani folk music
- International music
- Baila and its diversity and interrelationships
- Konkani cinema music
- Music composition
- Artificial intelligence and music
- Copyright and intellectual property rights
- Music production and studio technology
- The impact of Mandd Sobhann's music movement
These sessions will provide opportunities to discuss the history, development, technology, creative practices and future of Konkani music.
Honouring Veterans of Konkani Music
The convention will also recognise musicians and cultural personalities who have made significant contributions to Konkani music.
A dedicated Hall of Fame will form part of the convention, alongside felicitation programmes honouring senior artists and achievers from the field of music.
Music and Cultural Exhibition
An exhibition related to music and culture will also be arranged as part of the convention. The exhibition will add a visual and educational dimension to the multi-day programme and provide visitors with an opportunity to explore aspects of Konkani musical and cultural heritage.
A Tribute to Eric Ozario
The First World Konkani Music Mega Convention will be held as a tribute to the late Eric Ozario, whose contribution to Konkani music and cultural expression has had a lasting influence on the Konkani cultural movement.
The singing marathon and the wider convention are intended to bring together Konkani singers and communities while celebrating the musical legacy and cultural vision associated with Eric Ozario.
Mandd Sobhann's 40th Anniversary
The convention forms part of Mandd Sobhann's 40th anniversary celebrations. Established in 1986, the organisation has spent four decades working towards the preservation, promotion and presentation of Konkani language and culture through music, theatre, dance, literature and other cultural activities.
The 2026 convention brings this anniversary into a large-scale musical format, creating a platform for singers and music traditions from different parts of the Konkani world to come together in Mangaluru.
Who Can Be Part of the Convention?
The convention is being planned as a global gathering of Konkani music and cultural communities. Singers and teams from different parts of India and overseas Konkani communities are being brought together for the marathon singing programme.
The initiative is not limited to one Konkani community or musical tradition. Its programme is designed to reflect the diversity of Konkani-speaking communities and the many musical forms through which Konkani culture has developed.
First World Konkani Music Mega Convention in Mangaluru
With a multi-day singing marathon, thousands of singers, music symposiums, cultural exhibitions, a Hall of Fame and artist felicitation programmes, the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention 2026 will bring several aspects of Konkani music and cultural heritage together in Mangaluru.
The convention will take place from November 3 to November 15, 2026. The principal venue announced for the mega convention is the Town Hall Auditorium, Mangaluru.
Further programme schedules, individual performer details, session timings and other visitor information are to be announced.
