Roth

Kokan Cultural Foundation’s president Dr Aziz Sawant adds, “Philanthropy has been an integral part of the community. Centuries ago, the Koknis came to the city and worked in the docks. They lived in close-by areas like Dongri, Dockyard Road, Mazgaon and Crawford Market; bachelors would often stay in ‘jamatwalyanchi kholi [village dorm rooms]. The prosperous ones helped build mosques, educational institutions, and musafirkhanas, thereby contributing in their own way to society,” he shares.

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The fest will hold a one-act play on Balasaheb Thackeray by theatre actor Adnan Sarkhot and have mushairas by Urdu poets and laureates. The traditional lezim (folk dance), khalu (drums), ratib (spiritual songs) and geet (folk wedding songs) competition would focus on the finer cultural nuances of a community that hasn’t got its due.

Khajoori

Kokni Muslim culinary expert Mumtaz Kazi believes this is the ideal forum for home chefs, including those from smaller villages, to showcase their expertise in front of a large audience. “Just the thought of having methi ke ladoo, saandan, roth, khajoori, duderi, bhanauri, sakroli, ghawne, saandge, narlachi barfi and kokam items — all under one roof — are exciting. One can sample a variety of seafood dishes, made with Kokni preparations. Our cuisine, like our culture, draws heavily from the Konkan and imbibes minor elements from the influence of Arab settlers,” she explains.

A bright godri quilt

Another fascinating aspect to look out for would be the godri (quilt) stalls that showcase the fine art and technique used by craftswomen from villages. “Godri is important to Kokni culture, and forms an integral part of a woman’s trousseau and new-born baby’s gifts. Intricately made without measuring tape, women come together in the afternoons to make these over tea and chatter. Each piece has refinement in detail, while the finesse of patterns is awe-inspiring as they measure each stitch and pattern with their hands,” reveals Mohsina Parbulkar, who makes these at her home in Harnai, Ratnagiri.

On: February 3, 4 and 5; 10 am to 10 pm
At: Saboo Siddiq Polytechnic Ground, Byculla