Mira Road: On September 8th Sunday, St. Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) with a grand style. The festivity began with a Konkani Mass at 8.15 am. The main was Celebrant Rev. Dr. Dominic Vas(Director Dhyanavana-Mysore) along with Rev. Fr. Melvin D Cunha (Parish Priest) and Rev. Fr. Walter D Souza. Paddy was blessed and distributed to the people followed by “vorn” to all participants.

In the evening at 6.30 pm “Konkani Manyata Divas “and “Novem Jevann” was celebrated in the Church Hall & Terrace Hall. The program began with a Prayer Dance and welcome dance, by children, followed by welcoming the guests traditionally with “Paanpod Udaak” by Mr. Henry Saldanha. Mr. John Crasta (President), welcomed the Special Guests and Well wishers.

On the dais there were eminent personalities, as Chief Guest Rev. Dr. Fr. Dominic Vas, Parish Priest and Spiritual director Fr. Melvynn D’Cunha, “Maan Monis” (writer/actor/director) Mr. Joy Paladka, Sisters from Holy Cross, Ankur and Sneha Sadan Homes, along with President Mr. John Crasta, Secretary Mr.Jerald D Souza, Treasurer Victo Mascarenhas, Cultural Secretary Hilary D Silva.

The Program was inaugurated by boiling the ‘Ukado Rice’ in the “Modki” by preparing “Pej”. And served in the “Malti” with “karenno chetnni”. This meaningful act, took us back to our old village days.

Maan Monis Joy paladka was Felicitated with Flowers, Fruits, Shawl and Maan Patr. He expressed that the “Konkani is sweet language and it has several different words with same meaning unlike English, different words for every family relationships. We should give importance to our mother language at home”.

Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas, in his speech highlighted that “the love of Konkani language in Mira Road can be seen by the large crowd gathered here . All languages are good but we should not neglect our Mother Tongue at the same time”. Fr. Melvynn spoke on the need to teach and develop interest in our children of our mother tongue Konkani. He assured his co-operation in all Konkani programs to encourage Konkani.

All guests and donors present, were felicitated with flower bouquets and a copy of “Taan” Konkani kavita book by prasann-niddodi.

The Konkani Cultural Program by the Children and Association Members with Rib tickling Comedy Skits, Songs and Dances turned all present in a laughing mood. Mr. Jerald offered the vote of thanks.

“Noven Jevann” followed immediately for more than 500 people, with 7 types of vegetable delicacies and “Vorn”, which reminded everyone of their nostalgic years in Mangalore. The Program culminated by singing “Laudate” from all the Association Members. The entire program was compered by Henry Sequira with his eloquent and emblazon style.