Around twenty years ago, a few Konkani-speaking families from Mangalore relocated to England in pursuit of better opportunities. While we gradually embraced British customs and culture, we found ourselves yearning for the Mangalorean heritage that had once bound our families together. This shared sentiment sparked a crucial question: How can we revitalize our Konkani culture and traditions?

This reflection led to the formation of an organization dedicated to preserving our roots. In April 2006, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Alexander Lewis, we established the Mangalorean United Konkani Association (MUKA).

Since its inception, MUKA has organized annual cultural programs that celebrate our heritage. During the summer school holidays, we introduced the much-loved “Summer Day Out”, a family picnic that brings our community together through sports, games, food, and entertainment. This event also provides a platform for children and youth to showcase their talents, encouraging healthy competition while nurturing cultural pride.

As we continued to foster family connections through cultural celebrations, the MUKA committee introduced innovative ideas to expand our initiatives. These include children’s and family retreats, a Holy Hour before Christmas, and the Way of the Cross during Easter—each helping us honour and preserve Konkani Christian traditions.

We hold our Mangalorean customs in high regard, especially during significant religious festivals such as Easter, the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, and Christmas. These occasions are still celebrated in their traditional form, allowing us to embed our cultural practices into life in the UK.

For the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, we honour her birth on September 8 each year by uniting as one family for a grand celebration that features a traditional vegetarian meal, often referred to as the harvest feast. Likewise, during Christmas, we share uplifting messages and visit families to spread joy through Christmas carols. Families also express their creativity by crafting Christmas cribs and stars.

MUKA Nottingham is not only the association in the UK; we started with SKA London and subsequently founded several other associations, such as KCA Manchester, Konkani Kutam London (KKL), and UK Konkans in London. We take part in and celebrate a variety of events organised by these groups, which include sports, cultural activities, and more. MUKA has not only been involved in these events but has also achieved a considerable number of medals, enhancing community pride.

For nearly two decades, MUKA has hosted a traditional Mangalorean-style “Resurrection of Jesus Christ” Easter celebration, which has become one of our hallmark events. Each year, families gather for a Eucharistic Mass in Konkani, followed by a communal feast with authentic Mangalorean cuisine, cultural performances, and a joyful Baila dance to conclude the festivities. This event brings together Konkani-speaking families from across the UK in a spirit of faith and togetherness.

Over the years, this Easter celebration has also served a charitable purpose. We are proud to have donated over £20,000 to charitable causes in both the UK and India, staying true to our mission of giving back.

MUKA’s leadership is refreshed every two years through committee elections. New ideas and initiatives are regularly introduced, all while ensuring that Mangalorean traditions remain at the heart of everything we do—for today’s youth and future generations.

Our vision is to be a leading cultural and community association that serves with purpose in both England and India. We sincerely seek your continued support, blessings, and prayers as we move forward.

Thank you, and Jai MUKA!