Riyadh, Sep 16 : ‘Konkan Ghar Riyadh (KGR) celebrated the feast of Nativity, the birthday of our most beloved Mother Mary on the 14th of September 2012 with the Konkani speaking community of Riyadh.
The day’s celebration commenced with the welcome speech by KGR Coordinator Eric D’sa Pangla. The prime part of the day “Birthday Celebration of Mother Mary” the spectacular ceremony began by little children, teenagers and adults coming in procession and showering flowers to the statue of Infant Mary, to the hymn “Moryek Hogolsiyan” and “Sakkad Sangatha melyam”. Victor Menezes Thottam and Benedicta D’Souza Kanjoor Marg conducted the prayer session and Ivan Vas Parangipette conveyed the message on the feast of Nativity.
The blessed Novem, (New Corn) specially flown in, from Mangalore for the occasion was distributed to all the guests in the form of “Novem mixed with milk” as Edmond Lewis and his troop entertained the crowd by singing “Noven’s Jeevan” be fitting to the occasion.
The delicious homemade vegetarian food consisting of eleven varieties of vegetables and delicious “vorn”, prepared by the Mangalorian families was served to the crowd on banana leaves. After the food it was time for entertainment event which began with Housie Housie game conducted by Henry Gonsalves Kinnigoli. He kept the crowd entertaining by cracking jokes during the game.
Cultural event began with a welcome song “Burgyno Thumi Davon Yeyath” sung by KGR children. Edmond Lewis Sastan with his melodious voice made us to remember late Wilfy Rebimbus by singing the well known Konkani number “Maria”. Children Fredline, Freeda, Eldrin, Rachael, Ashlyn and Elita beat their feet to the Konkani song “Festha Santheyek” and Bollywood dance “Aare Pritham Pyare” which was choreographed by Eden D’sa,Pangla. A solo dance “Desh Rangeela “ was performed by Caron (Nanna) D’Souza.
The best part of the cultural event was the dance performance by Celine, Savitha, Fredline and Freeda to the song “Dorya Kushin” made the crowd to swing to the dance bits. The spectacular Tiger dance (Vaga Vesh) by Stanly Cardoza Paladka and Victor Menezes Thottam made the people to dance on their toes. Spot games, in between the program, were conducted by Royston Prabhu Bijai.
Godwin Mendonca Mudrangady, Austin Menezes Miyar and Nelson D’Souza Kinnigolli organized the outdoor games like Tug of war and Shot put Throw for men and women. The prizes were handed over to the winners. Roland D’Souza Kalmadi proposed vote of thanks. The whole day’s event was compared by Savitha Aranha Shirva and Janet Sequeira Udupi.
Finally, Konkan Ghar Riyadh (KGR) proved that “United we stand” can make everything possible even in this country (Saudi Arabia) by organizing the feast of Nativity successfully which was well applauded by the gathering.