Media Release

Bahrain, Sep 17: Awali Konkani Community celebrated the Monthi Fest with fervour and joy on September 13, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration. All Konkani community members will remember the celebration.

The essence of the novena’s were harmonised and blessed by the Awali Konkani choir group with the guidance of Ivan Sequiera and the support of the keyboardist Gavian Fernandes. Special thanks to Roopa D’Souza for preparing the slides for the 9-day novena and mass & thanks to Avin Miranda to help with IT Support. On the feast day and during the 9 days’ novenas Lector ministry – under the supervision of Jennifer Miranda engaged 'spiritual enthusiasm' among the congregation.

For this auspicious day to be witnessed, the photography and videography was set up by Ruben D’Souza. Special thanks to Ushers and Eucharist Ministers who gave their support for the 9Days novena and Monthi Fest. Everything needed for this solemn day was planned in advance by the Awali Konkani Community. New corn (paddy) was blessed on the occasion, along with sponsors. Murdom families were honoured with a blessed candle. New corn was specially bought from Mangaluru by Naveen Mendonca.

A short stage cultural programme was held after the Mass, which was compered by Adline and Dilian who welcomed the audience. A short felicitation was made to the bishop, priests and chief guests who were presented with a bouquet of flowers as a token of love and appreciation by AKC president Ronald Mathias and the office bearers of the Awali Konkani community. The Awali Konkani Community was then addressed by Bishop Aldo Berardi, apostolic vicar of the Northern Arabia, the rector of COLA Fr Saji Thomas, Bahrain Konkani Community spiritual director Fr Darrel Fernandes, Bahrain Konkani Community Assistant spiritual director Fr Marcus Fernandes and visiting priest Fr Ivan Pinto and Fr Xavier D’Souza. They conveyed their festival wishes and thanked the community for actively taking part in the feast celebration. A short felicitation was made to the altar servers co-ordinator Laveena Martis and Prakash D’Souza by the bishop, priests and president of AKC & felicitation was made to the Awali Konkans Cricket team captain Richard Lobo and team winning the runners up trophy in Monthi Fest Cricket Tournament 2024 in Indian Club.

In a heartwarming display of unity, kids and adults from the community came together to celebrate Monti Fest, showcasing their talents in a vibrant cultural programme. The event featured a captivating dance and skit performed in Konkani, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the community.

A nostalgic moment was created as children donned Mother Mary’s costume and entered the church and auditorium, beautifully coordinated by Sushmita Low, Renita Lobo, and Roopa D’Souza. The tiny tots performed a prayer dance choreographed by Sushmita Low, followed by an impressive performance by Jolina Dias and Austina Fernandes, left everyone in awe.

The evening also saw a humorous comedy skit titled 'Golmaal Clinic', written by Naveen Mendonca from Pambur, Bahrain, and directed by Sujay Pinto, which brought laughter and joy to the audience. The Monti Fest Song 'Monthi Fest Kutma Fest' penned by Naveen Mendonca and was performed by Asha Moras and her team to honour the occasion.

The highlight of the cultural program was a fusion dance with 'Retro Vibes', choreographed by Roopa D’Souza, which captured everyone's attention.

In a stunning display of musical talent, Jerola Lobo and Preetham D’Souza delivered a mind-blowing performance of Konkani songs that left the audience spellbound. This celebration was not just a showcase of talent but a reminder of the community’s strong bonds and shared traditions. A vote of thanks was delivered by Alfreeda - vice president of Awali Konkani Community, who thanked everyone who supported making this event a memorable one. This was followed by a sumptuous vegetarian 'Novem Jevan' prepared in classic Mangalurean style.

And so, concluded Monthi Fest in the blessed Cathedral at Our Lady of Arabia, Bahrain premises with joyful and right spirit along with family members and well-wishers.