Kuwait, Sep 24: United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK) celebrated the feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 16 with gaiety and great devotion at Salmiya, Kuwait. Over 110 members and guests took part in the celebration with lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

Shawn Pereira, a well-known compere in Kuwait, took charge of the programme.

The statue of Infant Mary was brought in a procession and showered with flowers amidst the singing of the traditional Konkani hymn ‘Sakkad Sangata Melyam’ and ‘Moriyyek Hogolsiyan’. The traditional celebration commenced with hymns and prayers led by Doris Lobo.

Blessed corn (Novem) was distributed by Lucy and Clifford Arannha.

UMK’s gurkar Agnel Saldanha welcomed the members, guests and all the people who were gathered. Addressing the gathering, Agnel Saldanha appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of the members for organizing the event and requested selfless support of everyone towards the cause of organizing Fun Filled Evening 2017, which is scheduled to take place on November 10, 2017 at American International School Auditorium, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait, in aid of Vimuikti (training center for the special children) and Mount Rosary Charity Institutions, Alangar, Moodabidri, shelter for the aged, sick, handicapped and destitute.

Nirmala Machado and team entertained the guests with interesting games.

DJ Sunil Mendonca played devotional and melodious numbers to the sound provided by Anand D’Souza of Waves Event Engineering.

Praveen Castelino proposed the vote of thanks.

Anil Avil Fernandes captured the moments in his camera.

As per ritual, traditional vegetarian meal and ‘vorn’ was served

to all on the ‘shiroti’ (banana leaves) while seated on the floor, prepared by Kuwait’s popular M&M Caterers and Confectioners.

UMK members shouldered all the expenses of the entire event.

The programme concluded with the participants singing ‘Laudate’.