Media Release
Doha, Sep 15: With the aim of preserving and promoting the rich culture and heritage of Mangaluru, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Doha, Qatar, celebrated its 35th consecutive Monthi Fest on September 11, 2026, at the DPS Monarch School Auditorium, Al Wukair. Monthi Fest is one of the most cherished traditional celebrations of the Mangalurean Konkani community. Continuing its long-standing tradition, MCC brought families and the community together through the traditional new-corn ceremony, Novem Jevan and a vibrant evening of cultural programmes, entertainment and fellowship.
The evening began with compere Carol Rosly Quadras warmly welcoming the gathering and highlighting the significance of Monthi Fest and its traditions. A rendition of the Konkani hymn ‘Monthi Maaye’ by the children’s choir, trained by Praveen Lobo Omzoor, set the tone for the celebrations.
This was followed by the MCC Anthem, presented by members of the MCC Executive Committee. The cultural programme then continued with a duet by Pradeep Menezes and Ancita Dsouza, accompanied by a dance performance from Rhythm Pairs, choreographed by Shown Fernandes. MCC Advisor Alwyn Dsouza followed with a solo rendition of the romantic Konkani song ‘Nashibanthlya Chedwa’.
The young performers added colour and energy to the evening with Little Stars, a kids’ dance choreographed by Mishal Lovely Lobo, followed by Magic Movers, choreographed by Primal Vivin Pinto with support from Suzanne Misquith. An energetic girls’ dance by Rhythm Rebels, choreographed by Nicole Crasta, further entertained the audience.
The stage program commenced with MCC president Denzil Christine Lobo and vice president Ryan Renjar welcoming chief guest Fr Rosario Colaco, spiritual director of KSC of Lady of Rosary Church, Qatar, and guest priest Fr George Stephen Monis, along with MCC founder member and advisor Jerald D’Mello. The dignitaries were welcomed with flowers by ex-com members Primal Pinto, Sean Fernandes and Lavita Rodrigues.
In his welcome address, president Denzil Christine Lobo welcomed the dignitaries and representatives from various Karnataka-based associations. He expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, volunteers and the MCC Executive Committee for their valuable support in organizing the celebration. He also announced the upcoming programs and activities of MCC.
Felicitation of Academic Achievers
As part of MCC’s annual recognition of academic excellence, students who secured 85% and above in Classes 10 and 12 during the 2025–26 academic year were honoured.
Class 12
1. Deann Menezes – 97.8%
2. Shayna Lourdes Concessao – 97.2%
3. Crizelle Pearl Pinto – 93.6%
4. Vanessa Claire Fernandes – 93%
5. Alister Delvin Dsouza – 88.4%
6. Joswin Elton Pinto – 88%
7. Vivel Deon Sequeira – 87.83%
Class 10
1. Nicole Crasta – 99%
2. Cleona Fernandes – 98%
3. Melrick James D Souza – 94.4%
4. Rishon Hasten Fernandes – 93%
5. Elaine Fernandes – 92.6%
6. Aaliya D’Almeida – 92.4%
7. Thea Lobo – 91.6%
8. Verina Adeline Mascarenhas – 90.4%
9. Kaeton Lewis – 90%
10. Jonathan Keith D’Souza – 88.6%
Honouring MCC Ladies Throwball Team
The MCC Ladies Throwball Team was also honoured for their outstanding performance, having secured three championship titles and one runners-up position in their last four tournaments.
The team members were:
1. Sujatha Fernandez – Captain
2. Aarti Fernandes
3. Aysha Mohammed
4. Angela Anthony
5. Shereen Nawab Khan
6. Salima Muzzamil
7. Sharon Lobo
8. Mabel Pereira
9. Reshma Monteiro
10. Flavia Dsouza
11. Shalini Lobo
12. Abida Sattar
13. Faseema
14. Josna Dsouza
15. Tania Manzoor
16. Sreeja
MCC’s annual newsletter ‘Sugandh – Issue #28’ was officially released by Founder Member and Advisor Jerald Dmello and presented by Editor Joachim Dsouza, in the presence of MCC advisors and committee members.
Chief guest Fr Rosario Colaco addressed the gathering, marking his first participation in an MCC Qatar event. This was followed by Fr George Stephen Monis conducting the traditional Roce ceremony, after which Novem Roce was distributed among the attendees.
President Denzil Christine Lobo felicitated Jyothi Pereira, who led the preparation of the traditional Novem Jevan, with a memento in appreciation of her dedicated efforts. Joint Cultural Secretary Sean Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks.
Advisor Reena Castelino gave a presentation on the MCCQ Charitable Trust and Jewels Group, highlighting their activities and initiatives.
A lively Kahoot quiz was conducted for the audience, featuring questions related to MCC Qatar and Monthi Fest traditions. Winners were presented with prizes.
The entertainment continued with a unique performance by the MCC Ex-Com men's group, ‘Low Battery Dance’, choreographed by Immediate Past President Naveen Dsouza.
The children’s skit ‘Ami Ani Amcho Gaanv’ highlighted the importance of keeping traditional Monthi Fest customs alive among children growing up away from their homeland. The skit was directed by Cultural Secretary Primal Pinto, with a folk dance choreographed by Prameela Reberro.
The stage then came alive with the vibrant ladies’ dance ‘Rhythm Queens’, choreographed by Joint Cultural Secretary Sean Fernandes, followed by an energetic couple dance, ‘Rustic Fusion’, choreographed by Flavia Dsouza.
The teenagers added to the excitement with ‘Step Shakers’, choreographed by Derick Crasta. A melodious Konkani Baila medley was then presented by a group of singers led by Westrin Lasrado.
The much-awaited comedy play ‘Shegunachi Sun Part-2’, scripted and directed by Jason Menezes, had the audience in splits with its hilarious presentation.
The choreographers, skit directors and trainers who contributed to the cultural program were honoured with mementos by the MCC Advisory Members.
Novem Jevan
Earlier in the day, MCC volunteers gathered at the residence of Jerald D’Mello to prepare the traditional Novem Jevan under the leadership of Jyothi Pereira. Advisor Sunil D’Silva coordinated the logistics, while lady volunteers prepared traditional sannas at home.
The sumptuous vegetarian feast, featuring seven items along with aloo dhento, sannas and sweet vorn, was enjoyed by all the attendees and reflected MCC’s spirit of togetherness and its motto, ‘Yeya Ek Kutam Bandhya’.
MCC extended its heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, members, volunteers, performers and well-wishers whose valuable contributions made the 35th consecutive Monthi Fest celebration a memorable success.
The event was beautifully captured by photographer Mustafa Pattambi and videographer Basil Bukhory. Event videos are available on the MCC Qatar YouTube Channel.