Media Release

Dammam, Sep 21: The Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) Dammam, Saudi Arabia celebrated Monthi Fest in grand way on Friday, September 13 at Farm House, Al Khobar.

The Blessed New Corn specially flown in from Mangalore was brought in procession with singing of traditional hymns ”Sokkad Sangatha Meliam” and “Moriek Hogolsiam”. Children were offered flowers to the Infant Mary. Uncle Martin led the prayer ceremony.

A melodious Konkani choir organized by JCCF, Dammam was well appreciated and helped the congregation to participate in the celebration meaningfully. The keyboard was played by Sharon and Shalom Fernandes.

Konkani speaking families from different parts of Eastern Region gathered as one family to celebrate this joy. The new corn mixed with flavoured milk was served to all the guests as a symbol of thanks giving for providing us the gift of new corn. The event of the day further continued with series of entertaining events which includes Indoor games, spot games, lucky draw and the floor breaking baila dance etc.

Konkani speech contest was conducted for children of different age group which was appreciated by all. Children actively participated in the contest. Winners of this contest: Group 3rd std to 7th std Viona D’sa (1st place) and Shalom Fernandes (2nd place). Group 8th std and above Gramcy Sequeira (1st place) and Robin D’souza (2nd place).

Mouthwatering Mangalorean vegetarian meal with seven different types of vegetables including Sanna, Rice and Vorn was served on traditional Shiroti (banana leaf) and the guests enjoyed the food having sitting on the floor. At the end of lunch session, “Lau-da-te” was sung. All the children were offered with “Kobu” (Sugarcane).

SKY Dammam extend its special thanks to the sponsors for their generous financial help. Master of ceremony SKY President Ronald Fernandes, Shirthady kept the crowd continued engaging and entertaining throughout the day. The vote of thanks was given by Asha D’souza. She expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone who directly or indirectly supported to make the event a grand success. The prizes were handed over to the winners.

Around 400 Konkani speaking people were actively participated. The support from the guests renewed the spirit of happiness and inspired to carry on this feast in a true Mangalorean culture, customs and tradition. Every year the attendance for the program increases tremendously which is a proof of its popularity and sign of people in gulf missing traditional feast of homeland.