Media Release
Jamshedpur, Sep 9: The Goan, Mangalorean, and East Indian Catholic communities of Jamshedpur came together at the Carmel Junior College campus in Sonari on September 6 to celebrate Monthi Fest, the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Hosted by the Carmel Sisters, the annual harvest festival brought together clergy, religious, and families in a joyful celebration of faith, tradition, and community spirit.
The celebrations began at 11 am under the campus tree with the traditional blessing of the new paddy harvest, followed by novena prayers and the offering of flowers to Infant Mary. The gathering then moved in a solemn procession to the main hall for the festive Holy Eucharistic celebration.
Fr Edward Saldanha, dean of the Jamshedpur deanery, was the main celebrant, while Fr Jerome Sequira SJ delivered an inspiring homily. The congregation joined wholeheartedly in the celebration as the choir, led by Reshma Rodrigues, filled the hall with traditional Konkani hymns.
Following the Konkani Mass, Sr Janet, superior of Carmel Junior Convent, formally welcomed the gathering. The programme also featured the official release of a new book authored by Fr C R Prabhu, followed by a lively lucky dip. Fr Vinod Fernandes SJ concluded the formal proceedings with a vote of thanks, expressing deep gratitude to the organisers, volunteers, and the Carmel Sisters for their support.
The celebration then moved into a grand fellowship meal, beginning with a blessing by Fr Roque Cardoza and the sharing of the 'Novem'. Godfree Fernandes had sent the new paddy from Mangaluru.
Staying true to the rich coastal harvest traditions, community members contributed an elaborate and authentic array of vegetarian delicacies. The feast featured sanna, sambhar, patrade, keerl, bhindi fry, French beans, and karam, along with traditional sweets such as vorn, patholi, and godshe. The festivities concluded with the singing of 'Laudato Domini'.
More than a harvest celebration, Monthi Fest is a celebration of family bonds and shared roots. For a community living far from its ancestral hometowns and villages, the occasion offers a beautiful blend of tradition, nostalgia, and camaraderie.
With the cooperation of community members, the core committee ensured that Monthi Fest 2026 became a memorable and joyful celebration—one that will remain cherished in the months to come.