Media Release
Bahrain, Sep 16: Konkani Kutam Bahrain celebrated Monthi Fest with fervor and joy on September 15 at the Papillon Banquet Hall with a gathering of over 175 members and guests.
The event started at 6 pm with the compere, Renita Pinto, welcoming the gathering to the celebration. A welcome dance was performed by Ayona Rodrigues, Shania Dantis, Michelle D’Souza, Echelle Sequeira and Alina Mendonca, choreographed and coordinated by Rensilla Fernandes and Sandra Castelino respectively.
Renita then invited all the children to join the procession and honour the beautifully decorated statue of Mother Mary with shower of flowers, while the choir sang mellifluous hymn ‘Moriyek Hogalsiyan’.
The chief guest of the evening was Fr Freddy D’Souza, the parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain. Fr Freddy led the congregation with prayers followed by distribution of ‘Roce’ to the gathering. Henry D’Almeida, convenor of Konkani Kutam Bahrain mentioned about the essence of the feast of Nativity being celebrated in Mangaluru, Udupi and surrounding places in the coastal districts of Karnataka, Goa and Kerala. Fr Freddy in his address appreciated the efforts of Konkani Kutam in bonding the Konkani speaking Mangalurean community and bringing the Mangalurean flavor of the feast of Nativity to Bahrain for years. He congratulated everyone gathered for their enthusiasm and desire to come together and celebrate the feast of Nativity.
This was followed by soulful entertainment by members and children. Muriel Gomes, Reema D’Mello, Shanthi Noronha, Sandra Castelino and Vanitha Rodrigues sang the beautiful song ‘Nilshya Nilshya Gaghanar’ with Prinson Machado on guitar. A funny short skit written by Stany D’Souza Paladka was enacted by Stany D’Souza, Jeethan Menezes, Sujay Pinto, Nirmala Fernandes, Alwyn D’Souzaand Maxim D’Souza. Young Sweeta Corda beautifully danced to a fusion medley. Another skit written by Stany D’Souza was enacted by himself and Maxim D’Souza. This was followed by a mesmerizing medley number sung by Ronald Fernandes, Christopher Lobo, Preetham Aranha, Aeron Franco, Renita Pinto, Melba Martis and Sushma D’Souza. Aeron Franco shortly followed with his hilarious mimicry to the cheers and applauds of the audience. Another free style dance was performed by young Vian D’souza. The entertainment section ended with another soulful medley by the singers.
Ronald Fernandes rendered the vote of thanks and thanked all those gathered and also all the wishers and supporters who had whole heartedly supported the Nativity feast celebration with their contributions.
Fr Freddy offered the grace before meal. A sumptuous vegetarian meal was served on banana leaves followed by Mangaluru’s favorite desert ‘vorn’.