London, Sep 10 : This year round, the weather foretellers were spot on; they predicted a hot day and it was indeed hot with mild winds blowing.  One could not ask for better weather today, as Managloreans from around London convened on Solomon Street to celebrate the Nativity Feast, more famously known as MonthiSaibinichem Fest; for the sixteenth year running.

Dr Cheryl Taylor, welcomed the gathering and offered her and her family's thankfulness to all who have worked hard to make this day a success; special mention was made to Team UK Konkans for the melodious choir; Tom for photography, Melwin for providing music; Ceasar, Rony, Eugene and Santosh for organising the seating arrangements and Fr. Rudy sj for celebrating the mass.

Celebrations began with bringing in procession of the New harvest and flowers; led by Lobo family members and all gathered children; the new harvest was then blessed by Fr. Rudy following which children venerated Mother Mary by offering flowers.

Fr. Rudy celebrated mass in Konkani, and in his homily in english, he explained the reasons why we celebrate this occasion, providing insight into early christianity, Jesus' heritage and how MonthiFesth came to be celebrated in Mangalore and it's spread to other regions.

The readings were read by Cheryl and Keith; and children read the prayers of the faithful.

Milk mixed with the newly blessed harvest was distributed immediately after the mass.
Mr and Mrs Lobo have taken this opportunity to share the joy of their second grandchild, India Faith Lobo's cradling with the gathered congregation.  This ceremony was marked with dad and mum, Keith and Sushma cutting the cake.

There also was cake cutting to celebrate Beveline's (Mr and Mrs Lobo's God Child) birthday.

Mr and Mrs Lobo wanted to congratulate and encourage all children who received their First Holy Communion and Confirmation this year; and also those children who have progressed through their GCSE, A Level and Graduation this year.  Cakes were cut by children to celebrate each of the occasion.

Vishwas Shetty who was made one of the MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) during The Queen's 2012 Birthday Honours for Service personnel and Defence civilians; was honoured during the celebrations.  As Mr Shetty was away on an assignment, Mr and Mrs Lobo handed away the  trophy to Mr Shetty's wife, Mrs LataShetty.

As is the tradition, vegetarian food was served to the assembled gathering of about 300 Mangaloreans; followed by traditional desert 'Vorn' and it's modern equivalent 'Ice Cream'.

MelwynVaz was the Master of Ceremony for the day.