Media Release
Pics: Menino Fernandes

Dubai, Oct 19:The Ferarites family celebrated the feast of Nativity at Bangalore Empire Restaurant, Karama with great devotion. Over 130 members from Ferar and guests took part in the celebration with zeal.

The traditional celebration commenced with hymns, prayer, and gospel reading by Norbert, Clara Fernandes and Rosetta Pereira.

The statue of Infant Mary was venerated with flowers amidst the traditional singing of 'Sakkad Sangata Melyam' and 'Moriyyek Hogolsiyan’. Norbert Sequeira compered the programme. He passionately recounted memories of Monti Fest back home and explained the feast's history.

President Vincent Pereira welcomed the guests of honour and the gathering. He thanked all well-wishers and honoured them with flower bouquets. He acknowledged their 10 years' support and sought it for events ahead. He lauded the unstinted support and selfless service of committee members and requested young parishioners to render their services to the community. He also appreciated the hard work of non-committee members Dora Sequeira, Ronald Moras, Paul D'Souza, Olivia and Odisha, Pearl and Nichole who lent support as volunteers at Ferarites functions. He also recollected the former committee members' hard work and commitment during the past 10 years.

Assistant parish priest of St Mary’s Church Dubai, Fr Robert Lasrado, in his speech appreciated the Ferarites' efforts in organising the meaningful family feast. Managing director of Merit Freight Systems LLC, Joseph Mathias highlighted the necessity to protect the mother tongue Konkani and rich traditions.

Norbert conducted spot games and kept the crowd cheered and ecstatic.  Robert Dsouza, Melvin Dsouza and Alwyn Misquith amused the crowd with exceptional skit performances. Renowned singers of the community Joseph and Sabita Mathias entertained the crowd with melodious hits and were encored by a whistling crowd. Alvira Saldanha, Kenisha Sequeira, Andrea Fernandes, Samson Pereira and Seana Pereira kept the crowd enchanted with thrilling Bollywood dance performances. Menino Fernandes, a freelance photographer rendered service. DJ Alwyn Castelino played old and new songs and hymns, keeping the crowd glued at all time.

Attractive gold prizes were sponsored by Liali Jewellers represented by Naveen D'Souza. Nokia mobile phone and other appliances were among the attractive prizes sponsored by donors and committee members.

Leslie Pinto blessed the Novem Jevan as per rituals. ‘Novem’ followed by a traditional vegetarian meal and ‘vorn’ was served. The programme concluded at 12 am with 'Laudate'.