WDD-09 Press Release sent out to newspapers in India

[Noel Gama]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DAMAN, 8 August 2009: Following the resounding success of the first-
ever, WORLD DAMAN DAY last year, the organizers launched into the
second year as early as April 2009 for the worldwide celebration of
the 2nd World Daman Day on the 20th of August 2009 under the aegis of
World Goa Day courtesy, London-based founder, Rene Barreto.

“Daman has always looked upon Goa as its 'Big Brother.’ But no two
fingers are alike and so it is with siblings. These cultural
differences though subtle, lend Daman its uniqueness. This worldwide
event is a celebration of the unique culture of the people of Daman
who have an identity of their very own – the Damanense,” says Daman-
based author, Noël Gama who is the Overall Coordinator of the event.

The theme of World Daman Day 2009 is, “Viva Damao! Come, Discover
Daman.” “Damão is not just the former name of Daman,” clarified Mr.
Gama. “It’s another name for the Indo-Portuguese subculture of Daman
and is a way of life. But most importantly, when broken up into its
two syllables, it reveals the secret behind the characteristic
hospitality of the typical Damanense – 'Da mão' – which literally
translates to 'give me your hand,' in Portuguese meaning, ‘Welcome!’

Damanenses around the globe in countries like the UK, US, UAE, Canada,
Portugal, Macau and Holland among others, celebrate all things
Damanense by showcasing their Damanense cultural heritage through
artistic and cultural expressions such as musical and food festivals,
competitions, traditional and folk dance performances, art and craft
displays, etc.

While World Daman Day is mainly celebrated by Damanenses outside
Daman, in Daman itself there will be a football match on the 16th of
August at 5pm in the sport ground in Moti Daman and on the big day
itself, a cultural program in the evening. More information can be
found at www.WorldDamanDay.com.