On September 8th, St. Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) in very grand style. The festivity began with a Konkani Mass at 8.15 am. The main was Celebrant Rev. Fr. Archiebald Gonsalves (Ex-Provincial Carmelites) along with Rev. Fr. Melvin D Cunha (Parish Priest) and Asst. Parish Priests.

Same day in the evening at 7pm they celebrated both “Konkani Manyata Divas “and “Novem Jevann” in the Church Hall. The program began with a welcome dance, followed by welcoming the guests traditionally with “Paanpod Udaak” by Mr. Alex Fernandes. Mr. Digo Rodrigues(President), welcomed the guests with flower bouquets.

On the dais there were eminent personalities, as Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Archiebald Gonsalves, Parish Priest and Spiritual director Fr. Melvynn D’Cunha, Maan Monis (poet and writer) Mr. Neri Melvin Nazareth, Sister Superiors from Holy Cross, Ankur and Sneha Sadan Homes, along with President Mr. Digo Rodrigues, Asst.Secretary Mr.Jerald D Souza, Treasurer Lawrence Mathias Cultural Secretary Jossy Gonsalves and Erstwhile President John Crasta were present.

The Program was inaugurated by pouring the Rice in the “Kollshi” to prepare a “Mudo”. The Mudo was then auctioned and the proceedings of the same donated to Kerala Flood Victims. This meaningful act, took us back to our village farming days.

Maan Monis Neri Nazareth was Felicitated with Flowers, Fruits, Shawl and Maan Patr. He expressed his gratitude towards the Konkani speaking people and the Konkani Association Mira Road. “TAAN” the Konkani poetry book from “Prasann Niddodi”was opened at this occasion. Fr. Archiebald in his speech “highlighted the history of Konkani language how it originated and how it is being strongly routed in Goa and Mangalore today. He also emphasized that in Mumbai we should use Romi script as today’s youth is using English language more prominently here as it is easier for them to learn Konkani”. Fr. Melvynn spoke on the need to teach and develop interest in our children our mother tongue Konkani. All guests and donors present were felicitated with flower bouquets.

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

“Noven Jevann” followed immediately for around 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.

Report –Shri Prasaan Niddodi – cirilari@gmail.com -9869043926.

Shri Prasaan Niddodi/ Photographs- Canute Menezes.