Report: Naveen D’Souza

Pics: Sunil Bantwal

Brampton, Sep 14: Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) celebrated its fifth annual Monthi Fest on September 9 at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton and was overwhelmed by the response and support of the Konkani community.

The event started with a welcome speech by Anita Bantwal at the church and followed by grand Eucharistic celebration in Konkani by Fr Henry Alva and Fr Andrew Lewis accompanied by a melodious Konkani choir led by Priya Fernandes and accompanied by Benedicta and Ronald D’Souza, Clara D’Souza, Colette and Stan Goveas, Josephine Soosay, Juliet and Jemma D’Souza, Nancy and Walty Lobo, Nancy and Max Mendes, Veena Veigas, Wilson and Viyona D’Souza, complemented by the guitarist Johny D’Souza and pianist Joshua Leung.

Soon after mass the children went in a procession followed by the elders to offer flowers to Mother Mary while singing ‘Sakkad Sangatha Melyan’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiya’. The children were treated with goodie bags for their offerings sponsored by Ingrid and Mavy Pereira. It was indeed very touching and heartwarming to watch the preserved culture being passed on to the new generation and young one’s enthusiasm to be a part of such tradition.

After thanking the gathering for their participation at the church by Stan Goveas, the community was asked to gather at the hall for the celebrations. The evening started with Max Mendes welcoming the gathering followed by the blessing of ‘novem’ that was distributed to all while a very meaningful song was played on the screen, the song was by ’Konkan Kogul’ Late Wilfy Rebimbus which was picturized and produced by Rebimbus family from film ‘Bogsanne’ specially for Monthi Fest. The traditional ‘novem’ drink, a concoction of coconut milk and jaggery was prepared by Colette Goveas. The programme was taken over by comperes Nancy Mendes and Priya Fernandes who together did a fantastic job in keeping the guests entertained with their charm and humor. A cake was cut to commemorate KCOB’s 5th anniversary.

The evening of entertainment started off with curtain raiser Bharatnatyam dance by Celina and Serena Newton, jokes and comedy skits by Nancy Mendes, Max Mendes, Priya Fernandez and Naveen D’Souza, melodious duet song by Wilson and Clara D’Souza, graceful Bollywood dance by Melody Correa. The highlights of the evening were the Folk
Dance and Zumba-Tango by three moms. The folk dance had two generations of dancers, young and not so young. The performers were Benedicta D’Souza, Clarissa D’Souza, Josephine Soosay, Joshua Leung, Juliet D’Souza, Loraine Lobo, Nancy Lobo, Roshan D’Souza, Samantha Goveas, Savanna Goveas, Shaina Mendes, Stan Goveas, Webster Lobo,
Wenster Lobo, Viyona D’Souza and Wilson D’Souza. The tantalizing Zumba-Tango dance was performed by Nancy Mendes, Ophelia Barbosa and Werrel Lobo. As always there were gifts galore with spot prizes, door prizes, 50/50 draw prize and much more.

Dinner was served on time and guests enjoyed the traditional authentic ‘novem’ dinner catered by Konkan Delite and served by the ever so helping volunteers. The aroma and the taste of Mangalurean food brought back nostalgic memories of back home and serving of delicious Vorn sealed the dinner with a great Mangalurean experience. 

Post dinner, DJ Donald’s foot tapping music made it hard for the guests to resist the dance floor and witnessed some energetic dance moves by all. All these beautiful moments were captured by Sunil Bantwal with his camera lens.

KCOB is thankful to generous contributions from, Anita and Tony Dewan and Family, Canadian Canara Vision Inc, Flavian Pinto of Sun Life, GoodLife Fitness, Ivy and Alwyn Correa and Family, Kricia D’Souza of State Farm Oakville, Max Mendes of Royal LePage, , Martin Menezes from Red Crest Mortgage, Optical Pulse, Peter Lobo and Family, The Maharaja Restaurant, Raymond Correa of Right at Home, Stan Goveas of Brampton Monuments, Vikas Hamroll of iPro Realty, and Wilson D’Souza, CIBC mortgage advisor. KCOB is also grateful to the families who have successfully organized the Monthi Fest for the last 5 years and every year taking it a notch up. They are also thankful to Anita and Sunil Bantwal, Colette and Stan Goveas, Ingrid and Mavy Pereira, Nancy and Walty Lobo, Nancy and Max Mendes, Priya and Naveen D’Souza. Also great support from volunteers was not forgotten as Max Mendes thanked them for their willingness to help and facilitate a grand programme.