Media Release

Kuwait, Sep 20: United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK) got together on Saturday evening September 15 at a hall in Salmiya, to celebrate its ninth Monti fest – the solemn feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The programme began with welcome by master of ceremony, Shannu D’Souza, followed by a procession and traditional flowers offered by the little children to Mother Mary, accompanied by singing ’Sakkad Sangatha Mellyan' and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’.

Sharu Pereira recited the opening prayer and invoked blessings on the gathered. Reena Castelino, Sharal Barboza, Francis Nornonha, Ronald D’Souza, Mary Saldanha and Joyce D’Souza offered intercessory prayers to our Lady.

Blessed corn (novem) in the milk was distributed by Lucy Aranha and family, followed by refreshment.

Gurkar (leader) of UMK, Agnel Saldanha addressed the gathering by giving a meaningful example of how we must stay united and continue doing good work inspite of all hardships we face.

In his vote of thanks, Agnel Saldanha expressed his gratitude to each and everyone who supported to make the festive event successful. He also announced that in 2019, UMK will celebrate the tenth anniversary in a grand manner.

Nirmala Machado and team conducted a game as a part of the entertainment.

Tiny tots led a prayer before the meal.

Advisor of UMK, Roque Lewis invited everyone for the festive meal by offering traditional ‘chembu’.

DJ Sunil Mendonca played devotional hymns which added beauty to the ceremony. Sound was provided by Anand D’Souza (Waves Events Engineering).

Prem Crasto and Anil Avil Fernandes captured the moments.

Keeping with the tradition of the harvest festival, authentic Mangalurean vegetarian dinner was served by M & M Confectionery. While seated on the floor, guests enjoyed the varieties of vegetables, mouth-watering pothrode and vorn eaten on the shiroti (banana leaf).

All the expenses of the event were shouldered by the UMK members.

The event concluded with ‘Laudate’.