Media Release
Canada, Sep 9: Konkani Catholics of Brampton (KCOB) celebrated their fourth annual Monthi Fest on Sunday September 4 at Queen of Peace Church, Brampton, here and were overwhelmed by the response and support of the Konkani community.
The event started with a grand eucharistic celebration in Konkani by Fr Henry Alva and Fr Andrew Lewis accompanied by a melodious Konkani choir conducted by Wilson D’Souza and singing by Clara D’Souza, Bennie and Rony D’Souza, Juliet and Gemma D’Souza, Naveen D’Souza, Viyona and Wilson D’Souza, Veena D’Costa, Collette and Stan Goveas, Nancy and Walty Lobo, Louis Lobo, Nancy and Max Mendes and Josephine Soosay, complemented by Johnny the guitarist and Josh the pianist. The children with their flower offerings and the elders then went in a procession to offer flowers to dear Mother Mary (Fula Udonche) while everyone followed singing Sakkad Sangatha Melyan and Moriyek Hogolsiya. The children were treated with goodie bags. It was heartwarming to watch the culture being passed on to the next generation. This year's KCOB's Monthi Fest celebration became extra special as among its attendees were eminent personalities such as editor and chief of Daijiworld - Walter Nandalike, founder member of Daiji Dubai - Dayan D'Souza and Lion’s Club International member and a strong supporter of Konkani Dr Austin Prabhu from USA who shared in the celebrations.
Nancy Mendes welcomed and thanked the gathering and opened the floor to her co-emcee, Santosh D'Souza, They both, entertained the guests with their panache and humor. The programme flowed flawlessly with the curtain raiser Bharatnatyam dance by Seneca Rego, singing by Vanessa D’Souza, Bollywood dance by Samantha and Savanna Goveas, standup comedy by Wilson D’Souza and hilarious skits performed by Santosh D’Souza, Wilson D’Souza, Naveen D’Souza, Nancy and Max Mendes. The evening was made meaningful with the priests blessing the Novemn drink which was authentically prepared with coconut milk and jaggery. There were gifts galore with spot prizes, door prizes, 50/50 draw prize and much more.
Dinner was served on time and guests were once again thrilled to enjoy the traditional authentic Novem Jevaan catered by Konkan Delite. The aroma and taste of the Mangalurean food brought back nostalgic memories back home and serving of delicious Vorn sealed the dinner with a great Mangalurean experience. The post dinner entertainment was par excellence as DJ Conrad, provided foot tapping music, which made it hard for the guests to resist the dance floor.
The event was made affordable to the community because of the generous contribution of the sponsors and a big thank you to all of them for their generosity. Main sponsor: Janet D’Souza of Trillium Physio & Rehab, other sponsors of the evening were: Canadian Canara Vision, Oasis Fruit Drink, Royal India Sweets, Flavian Pinto of Sunlife Financials, Collette and Stan Goveas of Brampton Monuments, Max and Nancy Mendes of Royal Lepage Terrequity. Anita and Sunil Bantwal, Naveen D’Souza, Nancy and Walty Lobo and Ingrid and Mavy Pereira.
An amazing evening of traditional, foot tapping dance, fun and frolic was all possible because of the support and dedication of KCOB organizers and their families.
Once again, Konkani Catholics of Brampton on behalf of all the Canadian Konkani Catholics, wish Happy Monthi Fest to all. May Mother Mary bring prosperity, joy and peace to one and all.