August is that time of the year when most of your Catholic friends or relatives residing in Bandra might not have time to hang out. They’re just too busy prepping for St Andrew’s All Bandra Parish Talent Contest that is better known as the ‘Zonals’. In 1953, the Zonals was a talent contest of just one parish (St Andrew’s), which comprised the residents of the area surrounding a church. Today, the competition showcases the performing arts of the parishes of all eight churches in the Bandra deanery. The theme this year is Talent, Community and Togetherness, reflecting the platform’s core ethos. “While it’s all about developing talent, Zonals focuses on building a cohesive community, which is how everyone knows everyone in Bandra,” says Leanne Manchanda, member of the organising committee, Andrean Cultural Counsel. Vocals and choir, instruments, dance, elocution and theatre are the categories up for grabs this year, shares Manchanda.

A photograph of a winning zone in the 1960s