Media Release
Bristol, Sep 25: The Bristol Mangalurean Konkani Association UK, celebrated Monti Fest 2026 with great devotion, cultural enthusiasm and a strong sense of community spirit on Sunday, September 20, at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Hall, Southmead Bristol.
Nearly 80 members, families and friends gathered to celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to give thanks for the new harvest. The celebration beautifully brought together faith, Konkani heritage, traditional customs, music, food and fellowship, creating a wonderful sense of togetherness among the community.
A celebration of faith and tradition
The celebrations began with the traditional flower offering and Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Children and families participated enthusiastically in the offering of flowers, a cherished Monti Fest tradition symbolising gratitude, devotion and the blessings of the new harvest.
The colourful participation of the children added a special joy to the celebration and beautifully reflected the efforts of the community to preserve and pass on its faith and Konkani traditions to the younger generation.
Cultural programme
The formal programme commenced with a warm welcome address by BMKA president Praveen D’ Costa, who welcomed all the families and friends gathered for the celebration.
The cultural programme was a vibrant showcase of Konkani culture and talent. Children and families presented Konkani songs, dances and entertaining performances, filling the hall with energy, colour and joy. The programme was skilfully emceed by Shalini Fernandes, whose lively presentation kept the audience engaged throughout.
A taste of home
Another major highlight of the celebration was the delicious traditional Mangalorean cuisine. The authentic flavours of South Canara and the coastal regions brought back fond memories of home and made the gathering feel truly special.
Families and friends enjoyed the meal together, creating a wonderful “home away from home” Novem Jevan atmosphere. For many, the traditional food and the spirit of the celebration brought back cherished memories of Monti Fest celebrations in their homeland.
Growing together as a community
The Bristol Mangalurean Konkani Association founded in 2022, began as a small community initiative involving just a handful of families. Over the years, it has grown into a vibrant and close-knit community, bringing together Konkani families in and around Bristol while providing opportunities to celebrate and preserve their faith, culture, language and traditions.
The enthusiastic participation at Monti Fest 2026 was a wonderful reflection of this growth and the strong bonds that continue to unite the community.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by BMKA secretary Benedict Barboza, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful celebration, including the organisers, volunteers, families, performers and all those who participated and supported the event.
Keeping our roots alive
Monti Fest 2026 once again demonstrated that distance from one’s homeland cannot diminish the bond with one’s roots. Through faith, flowers, traditional food, Konkani songs, cultural performances, cherished customs and the warmth of community, the celebration brought a little piece of Mangaluru and the Konkani homeland to Bristol.
The celebration was not only a thanksgiving for the new harvest but also a joyful reminder of the importance of preserving our faith, culture and heritage and passing them on to the next generation.
With grateful hearts and renewed community spirit, the Bristol Mangalurean Konkani Association looks forward to continuing this beautiful tradition in the years to come.