Keeping Goa’s deep-rooted devotional music tradition alive, the Pt. Manoharbuwa Shirgaonkar Smriti State-Level Bhajan Competition 2026-27 will be held on 15th August 2026 from 10:30 AM onwards at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Panaji. The competition is being organised as part of the continued efforts to preserve, promote and pass on Goa’s traditional Bhajan heritage to future generations.
Celebrating a legacy that has shaped Goa’s Bhajan tradition, the competition is being held in memory of Late Pt. Manoharbuwa Shirgaonkar, the Bhajan Maestro credited with giving Bhajan singing a systematic format in the classical style. The prize distribution function will be held at 6:30 PM, with prizes and certificates to be presented to winners of the Regional and State Level Bhajan Competition across the children, ladies and gents categories.
Carrying the tradition forward through generations, this marks the 46th year of the Bhajan Competition, which began in 1979 in memory of Pt. Manoharbuwa Shirgaonkar. A total of 167 groups participated in the Regional round, with eight groups in each category selected for the State Level Competition.
The prize distribution function will be graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
