Media Release
Riyadh, Sep 15: The birthday of our Blessed Mother Mary, fondly called as “Monthi Fest” was celebrated with devotion and grandeur by Konkan Ghar Riyadh (KGR) on September 13 with the Konkani speaking community of Riyadh.
The day’s celebration commenced with the opening salutation by Prema Salvodar Fernandes Moodbidri briefing the gathering about the significance of Monthi Fest. Laveena Rodrigues Shirva addressed a warm welcome to the gathering.
“Birthday celebration of Mother Mary” the spectacular ceremony began by little children and teenagers coming in procession and showering colourful fresh flowers to the statue of Infant Mary, to the hymn “Moryek Hogolsiyan” and “Sakkad Sangatha melyam” which echoed in the premises, the rhythm filling the air creating a blessed ambience.
Uday Rodrigues Mangalore led the prayer service and Alwyn D’Souza Niddodi 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 KGR members sang the song “Noven’s Jeevan” befitting to the occasion. The entire spiritual program was anchored by Preema Fernandes.
The Cultural programme commenced with an electrifying dandiya dance performance by Anitha D’sa, Ashlyn Rodrigues, Celin Mascarenhas, Chitra D’Souza, Fredline Mascarenhas, Prema Fernandes, Princy Pinto and Rachel Sanctis to the dandiya tune “Tuniye Tuni Mar – Mandd Sobhann” choreographed by Eden D’Sa Pangla made the crowd to enchant ‘once more please!’. Dance costumes were sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Edmond Lewis Sastan sang a foot tapping number “Suzanna” from Roshan Belman’s ‘Nashibathlya Chedva”.
Small children Ashlyn Rodrigues, Elita and Elton D’sa, Elton Lewis, Ethan Vas, Freeda Mascarenhas, Kieth Rodrigues, Karan and Kiren Nazareth, Simona and Sinona Fernandes with colorful attire gave a stunning performance on the Konkani song “Ho Mando Goencho” that was choreographed by Freeda and Celin Mascarenhas, Mukkamar.
Lungi Dance that has got the nation revved up on the dance floor, almost did the same magic when the KGR dancers; Alwyn D’Souza, Austin Menezes, Godwin Mendonca, Kiran Machado, Praveen D’Souza, Princy Pinto, Salvador Fernandes and Rachel Sanctis rocked the Riyadh dance floor. Princy Pinto Bangalore and Rachel Sanctis Udupi choreographed the dance.
Austin Menezes, Godwin Mendonca, Eric D’sa, and Stanly Cardoza entertained the crowd with wonderful well known Konkani song “Rozalin muja Mogache” drawing a cheer and loud applause from the audience.
A short comedy skit “Sairik” enacted by Alwyn Rodrigues, Edmond Lewis and Uday Rodrigues left the audience thoroughly entertained.
Prayer before the meals was led by Roland D’Souza Kalmadi.
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 Housie Housie game conducted by Henry Gonsalves Kinnigoli. He kept the crowd entertaining by cracking jokes amid the game.
Indoor games were conducted by Amitha Prabhu Bijai, which were very novel and received appreciations from the crowd. Outdoor games – Breaking the Pot, Tug of war and Volley Ball – were organized by KGR youth. The prizes were handed over to the winners.
On the occasion, a new Konkani romantic music album ‘Tunch Tum” composed by Roshan Belman was released. CDS are available with Eric D’sa (Mobile no: 0509519106).
Eric D’sa Pangla compered the cultural programe. Edmond Lewis proposed the vote of thanks.
All the guests appreciated and thanked KGR for recreating the native Monthi Fest celebration atmosphere in a typical Mangalorian style in Riyadh.