Monti Fest and Konkani Maanyata Divas celebrated in Mira Road
Mumbai: On September 8th Sunday, St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association Mira Road celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) in a grand manner. The festivity began with a Konkani Mass at 8:15 am. The main Celebrant was Rev. Dr Dominic Vas (Director Dhyanavana-Mysore) along with Fr Melvin D’Cunha (Parish Priest) and 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 & Terrace Hall. The program began with a Prayer Dance and welcome dance by children, followed by welcoming the guests traditionally with “Paanpod Udaak” by Henry Saldanha. John Crasta (President), welcomed the Special Guests and Well-wishers.
On the dais were eminent personalities, Chief Guest Rev. Dr Fr Dominic Vas, Parish Priest and Spiritual Director Fr Melvyn D’Cunha, “Maan Monis” (writer/actor/director) Joy Paladka, Sisters from Holy Cross, Ankur and Sneha Sadan Homes, along with President John Crasta, Secretary Jerald D’Souza, Treasurer Victo Mascarenhas and Cultural Secretary Hilary D’Silva.
The Program was inaugurated by boiling the ‘Ukado Rice’ in the “Modki” and preparing “Pej” which was later served in the “Malti” with “karenno chetnni”. This meaningful act took the gathering back to our old village days.
Maan Monis Joy Paladka was Felicitated with Flowers, Fruits, Shawl and Maan Patr. Speaking on the occasion, Joy said, “Konkani is a sweet language which has several different words with the same meaning unlike English, different words for every family relationships. We should give importance to our mother language at home”.
Fr Dominic Vas, in his speech, highlighted and said, “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 Melvyn spoke on the need to teach and develop an interest in the children of our mother tongue Konkani. He assured his co-operation for 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. Jerald delivered 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 Sequeira with his eloquent and emblazon style.
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by Prasann Niddodi – cirilari@gmail.com -9869043926.
Pics by Canute Menezes.
