Media Release

Udupi, Sep 7: On the occasion of Monti Fest, the harvest festival of the Christian community, an organic vegetable market was organised on Sunday at St Ann’s Church, Thottam near Malpe, with the aim of supporting local farmers.

Farmers from Thottam, Thenkanidiyoor, Badanidiyoor, and Malpe brought vegetables grown with organic manure—including okra, ridge gourd, spinach, cowpea, Malabar spinach, and other produce—to sell directly to consumers. The initiative allowed farmers to market their produce without the interference of middlemen or agents, ensuring better prices. Many people visited the fair and purchased fresh, chemical-free vegetables.

Speaking on the occasion, parish priest Fr Denis D’Sa said the event was organised to encourage people to move away from chemically treated food and to promote organically grown produce. He added that nature provides its bounty equally to all faiths, and celebrations like these, when held with interfaith participation, foster harmony in society. The local interfaith harmony committee also extended its support to the initiative.

The event was jointly organised by the Thottam Temple Committee, the Catholic Sabha, and the Interfaith Harmony Committee. Christian families from Kallmady, Kemmannu, and Kallianpur actively participated and benefitted from the fair. A special feature was the insistence on using eco-friendly bags for carrying vegetables, reinforcing the commitment to environmental protection.

Church vice president Leslie Aroza, secretary Blessilla Crasta, convenor of 20 commissions Vanitha Fernandes, Convent superior Sister Sushma, Catholic Sabha president Veena Fernandes, Interfaith Harmony Committee president Ramesh Tingalaya, and members Ramappa Saliyan, Shabeer Saheb, and Siraj Malpe were present.

Lavina Fernandes welcomed the gathering, compered the programme, and delivered the vote of thanks.