Trinity Central School Celebrates TRINITYDA GOUJI GAMMATH - 2025

India, as we all know, is the culture cauldron of the world with over 500+ ethnicities, 1000+ languages and dialects, various dance forms, cultures and a plethora of delectable cuisines. At the far end tip of India, down South the Tulunad-Malnad coastline is of prime importance as it brims with its unique blend of rich and vast culture, heritage, folklore and traditions.

Decorated with mango leaves across the campus, and with an elaborate entrance enhanced with traditional pots, Trinity paid rich tributes to the Tulunadu tradition and culture, by hosting Trinityda Gauji Gammath 2025 .

With the resounding beats of the school band, an guided by the anchoring of Ms Pallavi S and Ms Sharon, the entourage of students, dressed in traditional attire and led by the SPL Master Ryan Dsouza, welcomed the Chief Guest of the programme Mr Walter Nandalike, Founder and CEO of Daijiworld.com. Joining him were, Principal Fr Dominic Sunil Lobo, Vice Principal & Administrator Fr Amar Lobo, Academic Co-ordinator MS Magdalena Lewis, PTA President Ms Priya Furtado and PTA Joint Secretary Ms Deepti Suvarna.

After being escorted to their seats, programmed commenced with the invocation of prayer, through a graceful Bharatnatyam performance by the students, followed by a welcome song by the teachers. Ms Anisha Rodrigues welcomed the august gathering. Mr Walter Nandalike, Ms Priya Furtado and Ms Deepti Suvarna were given a traditional welcome with white and gold-striped shawls.

The humble coconut is the mi amor of the Coastal region, and without it an event or cuisine feels incomplete. Creatively contrived by Ms Saritha and her team, Mr Nandalike cracked open an extra-large coconut with a koitho (sickle), with the words Trinityda Gauji Gammath flowing through a silky white cloth resembling coconut milk thus, officially inaugurating the event.

Mr Walter was then felicitated by the dignitaries on the dais and was presented with a memento, fruits and a pencil-sketch portrait etched by Mr Ankith, the school s Art educator. In his address to the gathered audience, he conveyed that it is important that we bring children back to our traditional roots. In a world dominated by tech, AI and reel-scrolling the children of today are not aware of the local customs, cuisines and even attires. He appreciated the initiative of school to host such an event a far cry from the usual, regular events hosted by schools.

A traditional folk dance was performed which was then followed by the words of wisdom by the Principal, Rev Dominic Sunil Lobo. Ms Volita Lewis proposed the vote of thanks.

Rains play a pivotal role in enhancing the magic of the monsoons. And while the sun had a mind of its own, deciding to shine for most of the day, there were occasional shower spells at apt moments. And that s when the enthusiasm to play games pumped up! from bombing the city, one-legged race, tyre race, etc for the children to pot-breaking, tug-of-war, for the adults along with some spot games were also conducted.

An enthralling performance of the Pilivesha - Udupi s most famous tiger dance, whizzed through the crowd of both young and old, as they matched every beat with the troupe of performers.

As much as we love our culture, its incomplete without a good and hearty meal. Food stalls at the event were docked up with a variety of delicacies. From shemige, idli, gunda, moode, neer dosa that were being served with chicken curry, chicken sukka, chicken badhiya, etc to boiled rice pundi, pathrode, banana / jackfruit leaves gatti, served with thevu gassi, huruli saaru, etc.

For seafood enthusiasts, crispy rava- fried bangude (salmon) and silver-fish, along with bangude pulimunchi, dry prawns, boiled/white rics as well as dry fish chutney was served.

Speaking of chutneys, a separate counter was set up that served lip-smacking chutneys like thimare chutney, salted mango chutney, raw mango chutney, etc.

To refresh the palette, the kokum and lemon juices, panakam drink were a sheer delight. Payasam, jackfruit mulka, jackfruit gatti sweetened the taste buds afterall, what s a meal without dessert?

The highlight of the event was the cooking competition. Over 10+ pre-registered contestants, who had whipped up their forte dishes like manni, Tulunadu platter, marwai sukka, chicken indad, etc. Selecting the winner was a task cut out for the judges - Mr Noel Oliveira and Ms Benedicta Menezes. Under the following categories, the winners of the competition were:
Unique Food - Ms Sushma Mohan who prepared Gendada adde
Best Food Ms Srilatha for preparing Menthe Manni
Special Prize Ms Rekha for her dish Chilimi da adde

The event came to a close with singing of the National Anthem, after the distribution of prizes to the winners of the various games, and the cooking competition.