Our Vision

To mark 30 years of Konkani Sammelans in North America with a Pearl Jubilee like never before — joyful, distinct, and unforgettable — a celebration the Konkani community of North America will carry for the next 30 years.

Our Mission

Deliver a professionally organized, culturally authentic, family-centered Sammelan — one that honors our heritage, strengthens our community, and creates memories of a lifetime — through the dedication of every volunteer.

The Story

Thirty Years.
One Historic Milestone.

In 1996, a small gathering of Konkani families scattered across North America dared to dream of something bigger — a Sammelan that would keep their language, culture, and community alive across generations and oceans. That first gathering planted a seed.

Ten Sammelans later, the community has grown into a vibrant diaspora spread across North America. Every Sammelan has been a homecoming — a place where Konkani community connected and engaged freely, where children learn who they are, and where lifelong friendships are forged.

KS27 marks the 30th anniversary — the Pearl Jubilee. And for the first time in history, the Sammelan sets sail on a cruise. Jointly hosted by the Konkani families of New Jersey and New England, KS27 sails aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship from Cape Liberty, NJ to Halifax, Nova Scotia — five days on the open ocean with 1,300+ community members from across North America.

"Devu Baren Koro — Together, we begin."
KS27 Planning Kickoff · June 20, 2026

30th
Anniversary of the North American Konkani Sammelan — the Pearl Jubilee
1,300+
Konkani community members expected from across North America
5
Days at sea — Cape Liberty, NJ to Halifax, Nova Scotia
2
Host regions — New Jersey and New England, in equal partnership
7
Working groups and 50+ dedicated volunteers organizing the event
June 29
Sail Date · 2027
Halifax
Shore Day · Nova Scotia
July 3
Return · Cape Liberty, NJ
ks27.org
Official Website
How We're Organized

One Team, Two Locations,
Seven Working Groups

Co-Chairs · New Jersey

Sulakshana & Ramaraya Bhat

Leading the New Jersey region with equal accountability to the committee and NAKA board.

Co-Chairs · New England

Sahana & Sandesh Bhat

Leading the New England region — one team, one celebration, full parity in decision-making.

Advisory Board

NAKA President, past Sammelan presidents, and state association leaders — providing counsel and continuity without execution responsibilities.

The Seven Working Groups

1

Cultural Program

Performances, ceremonies, AV, entertainment theme — the heart of the Sammelan

2

Hospitality & Operations

BMC liaison, embarkation, welcome desk, celebrity logistics, volunteer coordination

3

Marketing & Communications

Brand, website content, social media, email campaigns, press outreach

4

Finance & Donations

Budget, Pearl/Gold/Silver sponsor tiers, fundraising, monthly reporting

5

Technology

Website, registration system, guest data, email tools, working group support

6

Souvenirs

Attendee swag, tier-specific gifts, program book, signage, vendor management

7

Youths of Konkani

Youth-led programming for teens and young adults — by youth, for youth

Trusted Partners

The Partners Behind
Pearl Jubilee

Cruise Partner
Geeta Singla
Exotik Excursions Ltd. (BMC)

Royal Caribbean group booking expertise, room block management, on-cruise event coordination, and end-to-end booking experience for 1,300+ attendees. BMC serves as the exclusive booking agent between NAKA and Royal Caribbean.

Digital Partner
Sameer Sharma
ResourceStack

Pearl Jubilee branding, KS27 website, registration experience, social media presence, email campaigns, audio/video creative assets — defining the visual and digital identity of KS27 across all channels.

Be Part of History

Join 1,300+ Fellow Konkani Community Members
at Pearl Jubilee 2027

Cabin spaces are limited. Be the first to know when registration opens — and secure your family's place in this once-in-a-generation celebration.

Get Notified · ks27.org