Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Sep 8: Every year, on September 8, across Mangalore in particular, the Catholic community gears up for the celebration of Monthi feast of our Lady.

Pictures from St Sebastian Church - Bendur

Mangalore city parishes Bendurr, Milagres, Kulshekar, Bejai, Urwa were filled with devotees all set to celebrate the birthday of Mother Mary. Infant Jesus Shrine, Fathima Retreat house were resounding with the traditional hymns of 'Sokkad Sangata Mellyan, Sokkad laggin Soryan'.

This harvest festival is celebrated along with the birthday of Mother of Jesus.

 A series of 9 Novenas to the Blessed Virgin Mary are recited on a daily basis,at the end of which children offer flowers in a ceremonious manner at the grotto of Mother Mary. Sweets are distributed for all the children on the novena days.

It is a harvest feast for the whole family where the day begins with mass with children and devotees adorning the statue of our Ladywith flowers. Prior to the solemn mass, there is a procession of the parishes from a certain destination to the respective churches.

Hymns are sung in full chorus along with the devotees.

Traditionally, the paddy or first grain is brought to the Altar in a procession and blest by the priest. The offertory procession includes the statue of Mother Mary, sugarcane, vegetables, flowers, fruits,  Bread and Wine.

The first harvest of sugarcane and paddy is distributed to all attendees of the solemn feast.

Mangalorean families celebrate the festal lunch with different varieties of vegetarian food. The food is tradionationally served on a plantain leaf.

Mangalorean catholics observe this feast worldwide with full fervor. This tradition in Mangalore is definitely what unites and bringstogether all the family.

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