By Neville D'Cunha

Ottawa Sept 18: Ottawa Canara Konkans clebrated thier annual MONTHI FESTH on Sept 12th 2009 with traditional gaiety with Konkani and English mass. Rev Dr.Vincent Periera empahsised on the significance of monthi festh how traditionally the Mangaloreans have celebrated the birth of mother mary and the importance of it.

Ottawa the capitol city of Canada has less than 20 families from the roots of Mangalore. Families have been meeting for several years for different occasions. The association that was formalized in 2008 has significantly got the close knit community even closer.

The festivity for Mangaloreans in Ottawa is very significant as it is one that binds families together with their mother Mary, motherland and mother earth. The highlights of the event was a festive mass celebrated by Fr. Vincent Periera. Children venerated the statue of mary with flowers and the traditional hymn sakad sangatha melyan.

This was followed by a meal with traditional home cooked food that was pooled in by all the families. Kids played Musical Chairs and several games to win prizes etc. Neville D’Cunha the President of OCK compared the get together. Richie lobo and Oliver Mendonca did housie housie with thier usual wit n charm. Fr Vincent Periera thanked the office bearers.  Neville D'Cunha, Violet Goveas and Oliver Mendonca for their efforts to put together the event.