Kavita Trust Celebrates 20th Edition of Kavita Fest on January 11, 2026 | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
The Kavita Trust, a pioneering literary organisation dedicated to the promotion and enrichment of Konkani poetry, will celebrate the 20th edition of its flagship event, Kavita Fest, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The day-long literary festival will be held from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at the Mother Teresa Peace Park, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Kodialbail, Mangaluru, in collaboration with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
Marking two decades of sustained contribution to Konkani literature, Kavita Fest 2026 is open to all lovers of the Konkani language and poetry. The celebrations will begin with a procession from Tagore Park to Mother Teresa Peace Park, symbolically bringing poets, students and literature enthusiasts together.
The inaugural ceremony will be presided over by Rev. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor of St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University). The Guest of Honour will be Prof. Maria D’Costa, Director of Xcell – Institute for Excellence.
The festival will showcase a rich and diverse literary programme. Highlights include an interaction session with Vally Vagga, recipient of the Mathias Family Poetry Award – 2026, and “My Life, My Poetry”, an interactive session with children finalists of the popular Konkani poetry reality show Biri Biri Pavs. The youth finalists of Biri Biri Pavs will also present their poetry during a dedicated session.
Adding a performative dimension to the festival, Ranga Adhyayan Kendra, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University) will stage a poetry-based play, followed by Kavisandhi, a literary dialogue with Paresh N. Kamat, Konkani writer and recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award. An open poetry session will provide a platform for aspiring and established poets to share their work.
The closing ceremony will be graced by eminent Konkani litterateur and Jnanpith Award laureate Damodar Mauzo as the Chief Guest. He will be accompanied by Shaila Mauzo, noted literary translator, and Francis J. B. D’Cunha, Konkani writer and educator, who will be Guests of Honour.
During the valedictory function, several prestigious awards will be presented, including the Dennis and Mary D’Cunha Memorial Best Poetry Book Award – 2024 to Felcy Lobo, the Mathias Family Poetry Award – 2026 to Vally Vagga, and prizes to the winners of the Biri Biri Pavs Poetry Competition in both children’s and youth categories.
