Flavours of Mangalore: A Night of Culture, Community, and Celebration

On Saturday, 3rd May 2025, the Sacred Heart School Hall in Oakleigh transformed into a glittering celebration of Mangalorean culture as the Melbourne Konkan Community (MKC) hosted its much-loved annual event — Flavours of Mangalore Dinner Dance. With over 300 attendees, a vibrant atmosphere, and flavours that reminded us of home, it was a night to remember for all.

From the moment the gates opened, you could feel the excitement in the air. The disco theme brought out the best in everyone — especially the ladies, who dazzled in their sparkly outfits, creating a sea of shimmer and colour. But what truly stood out was the incredible sense of togetherness. We were thrilled to welcome many new faces, particularly international students, who found in MKC a space that feels like home — a place where memories are made, food is shared, and friendships are born.

Music That Moved Us

The night’s entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Our charismatic Emcee, Roshan Alphonso, set the tone with warmth and humour, guiding the evening with energy and charm.

The talented After Dark band opened the floor with classic country hits that saw couples jiving gracefully, showing off their timeless moves. As the night progressed, DJ Bollywood Beats turned up the heat with a brilliant mix of RNB, pop, Bollywood, and of course, our beloved Konkani hits, keeping the dance floor buzzing until the very end.

A Feast to Remember

Of course, no MKC event is complete without the soul of our culture — the food. The culinary spread prepared by Phillip and Valerie was nothing short of a feast:
🍛 Kori Rotti
🍗 Chicken Sukka
🥩 Beef Chilly
🥓 Pork Bafat
🥗 Chana Tendli & Salads
🍨 Vorn and Ice Cream for dessert

There was plenty for all, and every dish brought a smile of nostalgia and joy. It reminded us why we celebrate — not just to party, but to reconnect with our roots, our flavours, and our people.

Community at the Core

Behind the glamour and celebration is the tireless effort of the MKC Committee, who spent months planning and executing every detail with love and dedication. These events don’t just happen — they are a labour of love, a testament to what a united community can create. We thank each committee member and their families for the sacrifices they make and the joy they bring to so many.

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible:

• Fletchers Real Estate (Wyndham) – Harpreet Walia
• Qualiteeth Family Dental – Dr Sarita Dsouza
• Delivery Centric – Mira DSilva
• Nikee Migration Services – Brian Pereira
• Michelle Engineering – Edwin Dmello
• Karman Security – Karamjeet Multani
• Tarneit Service Centre – Dolpey Pais & Sunil Narayan
• GLMS – Gordon Lewis

And a special thanks to Event Sponsors Monash City Council,  for their continued support in helping MKC bring communities together through culture and connection.

Why We Do This

At its core, the Flavours of Mangalore event is not just about food, music, or dance — it’s about creating a space where people feel they belong. For migrants, students, and families, MKC events are more than gatherings — they are anchors. A chance to reconnect with our heritage, to find comfort in familiar languages and flavours, and to celebrate what makes us unique.

The joy on the faces of our guests — young and old — is our biggest reward. It's a reminder that our efforts matter, that in a fast-paced world, taking time to build community is more important than ever.

We’re grateful for everyone who came, danced, laughed, ate, and made memories with us. Here's to the next celebration — until then, let’s keep the spirit of togetherness alive.

MKC – A Home Away from Home 💛
for more information about us visit us at www.mkc.net.au