SKA London Celebrates Monthi Fest with Faith, Tradition and Community Spirit
London: South Kanara Association (SKA) London celebrated its traditional Monthi Fest with faith, devotion, and cultural spirit at Alperton Community School, Stanley Avenue, London, bringing together families and community members to celebrate Mangalorean heritage and traditions.
The celebrations began with a family photo session at the main entrance, with members dressed in traditional attire. The gathering set the tone for a day of faith, fellowship and cultural celebration.
Flower Offering and Holy Mass
The traditional Fula Ushayche (flower offering) followed, with children joyfully offering fresh flowers to Mother Mary during a colourful procession. The ceremony reflected the community’s devotion and its commitment to preserving cherished Mangalorean traditions among the younger generation.
The highlight of the morning was the solemn Konkani Mass celebrated by Fr. Jason Pais. The blessed Novem (new corn) was solemnly blessed and distributed to the congregation. Special appreciation was expressed to all those who brought offerings for the Mass.
Although Fr. Valerian Castelino was unable to attend the Mass, he later joined the community for the afternoon celebrations.
Traditional Noven Jewan
Following the Mass, members gathered for a traditional Mangalorean Noven Jewan (harvest meal). The delicious lunch was prepared and served by dedicated cooking and kitchen volunteers, providing an opportunity for families and friends to come together in fellowship.
Raffle tickets were also sold ahead of the cultural programme, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Cultural Programme and Felicitation
The afternoon cultural programme showcased the talents of children and adults representing various SKA London wards. A range of dance performances highlighted the enthusiasm of the younger generation and the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.
During the programme, Fr. Jason Pais and Fr. Valerian Castelino were honoured and thanked for their spiritual leadership and for their presence at the celebration.
The festivities concluded with a lively traditional Baila dance, bringing participants of all ages to the dance floor and providing a fitting end to the day’s celebrations.
Acknowledgements
SKA London expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Monthi Fest.
Priests:
Fr. Jason Pais; Fr. Valerian Castelino
Altar Service:
Stacy D’Sa, Liana D’Sa, Freya Dias, Scarlett Vaz, Viaan Tauro and Jewel D’Souza
Choir:
SKA Choir
Sound:
Carlos Fernandes
Photography:
Ying
Main Sponsors
Mr. and Mrs. Lobo; Shaun D’Souza; Eugene Dais; Brian Mathias; and an anonymous sponsor for vegetables.
Platinum Sponsors
Dr. Ben and Therese D’Souza; Peter D’Sa; Alice and Mathias Rodrigues; Mouris and Mabel D’Souza; Natalia Fernandes; Emmy Castelino; Sunil Lobo; Juvana Fernandes; Americo Manito; Matilda D’C Costa; Prakash and Precilla D’Souza; Julie Fernandes; Ryan D’Costa; M. Quadros; Meena Sequeira; I. F. D’Souza and Melvin; Deepak D’Souza; Avril D’Silva; and Brian Menezes.
Other Sponsors
Idli: Alwyn and Sheela Saldanha
Vorn: Marita Crasta and family; Reena and Jackson D’Souza and family; Joyce D’Souza and Jessie D’Souza family; Rocky D’Silva and family
Altar flowers: Olivia Saldanha and family
Water and milk: Gracy Menezes and family
Children’s gift sweets: Elma and Alson Rodrigues
Cooking Volunteers
Karela: Cooked by Stephen and Anitha Noronha; supported by Aldreena and Racheal.
Chana: Cooked by Valerian Monteiro and family; supported by Anitha, Emily, Mable, and Mouris D’Souza, Donald, and Zeeta Rodrigues.
Long beans: Cooked by Valerian D’Souza and family; supported by Richard Menezes, Praveen D’Souza, Dorothy Crasta, Milan Noronha and James Fernandes.
Gosale: Cooked by Sunil D’Cunha and family; supported by Eugene D’Souza, Joyce D’Souza, Olivia Lewis, Janet Fernandes, Lancy and Cynthia Rodrigues, Michelle Tauro, Shalma Rodrigues and Stella D’Cunha.
Caramb: Cooked by Marita Crasta and family; supported by Venessa and Nelson.
Vegetable curry: Cooked by Pamila and Arun Crasta and family; supported by Charles D’Souza and family, Thomas D’Souza and family, Sunil, Anitha and Helen.
Bindi: Cooked by Olivia Menezes; supported by Dominic Pinto and family, Reena, Jackson and Jewel D’Souza, and Elroy Pereira.
Rice: Cooked by Lancy Rodrigues.
Idli: Steamed by Stella D’Cunha and Violet D’Souza family.
Kitchen and Other Volunteers
Prakash Tauro, Alfred Dsouza, Rocky D’Silva, Sunil D’Cunha, Jason D’Sa, Diona Carnelio, Sumil, Sam, Pascol Vaz, Alwyn Saldanha, Olivia Saldanha, Sheela Saldanha, Lyena Dsouza, Lysel Dsouza, Sharal Carnelio, Eugene D’Souza, Joyce D’Souza, Janet Sequeira, Salma Rodrigues, Lancy Lobo, Lester Lobo, Ethan Lobo, Venessa Pinto, Nelson Cordeiro, Loy Dsouza, Prakash D’Souza, Tony, Jason Vinod Dsouza, Earline Paula and Elisha Jocelyn Dsouza.
Eucharistic Ministers
Winnie Bai; Arun and Pamila Crasta; Charlie and Violet D’Souza; and Venessa.
Mass Service and Offertory
Jasmine Noronha and team.
Masters of Ceremony
Mrilita Lobo and Elroy Pereira.
DJ
Lester D’Souza.
Gurkars
Aruna Crasta (Brent and Camden Wardo); Violet D’Souza (Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon Wardo); Richard Menezes (Brent and Westminster Wardo); and Reena D’Souza (Hounslow and Watford Wardo).
Cultural Programme
The cultural programme was coordinated by Jason Vinod Dsouza.
Harrow and Watford Wardo
Adults: Shalma Smitha Rodrigues and Janet Sequeira.
Children: Jayden Fernandes, Aiden Fernandes, Daniela Rodrigues, Ivana Rodrigues, Scarlett Vaz, Stephanie Vaz, Jewel D’Souza and Elina Pinto.
Barnet and Westminster Wardo
Riana Menezes, Tisya D’Souza and Nicole Mathias.
Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon Wardo
Nikhitha Martis, Shwethal Vegas Angeline, Rheona, Juny, Primika and Sonali.
Brent and Camden Wardo
Sinatra, Kian, Raya, Ian, Roman, Enha Diyala Mendonca and Aveya.
Vote of Thanks
SKA London expressed heartfelt gratitude to its team, community members, spiritual leaders, sponsors, cultural performers, and volunteers whose dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the celebration.
Special appreciation was extended to everyone who worked behind the scenes and in the kitchen to make the Monthi Fest a memorable and successful celebration of Mangalorean faith, tradition, and community spirit.
