Pics: Benson Moras
Manchester, Sep 11: KCA-UK celebrated Monti fest on September 8 at Gandhi Hall in the city. More than 200 Konkani speaking people from different parts of the United Kingdom gathered as one family to celebrate this religious event.
Ronald Lobo and Jyothi Mendonca from Manchester presented an introduction to the celebration. To commemorate the birthday of Infant Mary, children and adults offered flowers; whilst the choir simultaneously sang the hymn 'Morieak Hogolxieam'. Fr Maxim Pinto from Fajir blessed the Novem.
The main celebrant for the mass was Fr. Deep Fernandez from Paladka, the first reading was read by Ravi Pinto from Liverpool and the second reading was read by Preethi Rego from Manchester. In the homily Fr Francis Xavier Gomes from Shirva explained, "Mother Mary is the way to reach God." He emphasised on the issue to respect women in the present day society and stressed on the point of utilising the talents given by almighty God for the common good of the people.
The choir uplifted the spirit by melodious singing, led by Stan Mendonca Manchester along with Sujith Rodrigues and Mukesh Kannan from Manchester.
Prior to the end of the mass, Lainet Pinto Manchester introduced and thanked all the three priests, the choir team and all the people for their devotional participation during the holy mass. Lucy Lobo and family Manchester sponsored the flowers to the altar.
At the end of the mass elderly people who were amongst the assemblage were invited to the dais to actively participate in mixing the blessed corn with the milk which was later shared with all the guests.
Lyza Barboza Liverpool and Kenneth D’sa Birmingham sponsored the soft drink and cake for all the guests.
Arshiya Pereira and Sujith Rodrigues Manchester hosted the event, which was more interactive with the audience than of conventional one. The response from the audience was equally good. The stage support was provided by Fravin Pinto - Liverpool and team.
The president of KCA-UK Santhosh Pinto Manchester welcomed all the guests.
Cultural activities commenced with a traditional Indian classical dance followed by some amazing dances, singing and comedy. Kids from Manchester, Preston, Warrington, Nottingham and Sunderland came together as one team and entertained the audience with great unity and perfection.
Ronald Lobo Manchester was responsible for the stage set-up and lightings.
In the traditional meal there were seven different types of delicious vegetables including Sanna, Aluo Detto, Rice and Vorn were prepared by KCA-UK members and later served to the guests. KCA-UK specially thanked Martin Saldanha Manchester, Richard D’Silva Birmingham and Vincent Rodrigues Nottingham for their dedicated work in planning and co-ordination of arranging the food for all the guests on time.
Vinjoy Rego and Shaun Pinto volunteered to dedicate themselves to cover the entire day’s photography and video. Benson Moras Sheffield was the DJ for the event and also responsible for the Sounds Systems for the day.
Ravi Pinto Liverpool and Marina Monis Warrington carried out a fund raising event for the association in the form of auction of items specially brought from Mangalore. The fund collected from this auction would be used towards the day’s expenses.
Anthony Mary Manchester and Joseph Sequeira Warrington conducted the Bingo, where the prizes were awarded to the winners.
The vote of thanks was given by Vinod Barboza Manchester; he expressed his gratitude and thanked everyone who directly or indirectly supported to make the event a grand success. Vinod also expressed special thanks to the people who worked behind the scenes for days to make the event successful. Victims and their families of the recent Kerala and Karnataka floods were remembered.
Members of MUKA – Nottingham were thanked for their unconditional support during the event.
The event concluded with a tea followed by group photograph and baila dance.