Media Release

Mumbai, Sep 10: On Sunday September 8, St Joseph’s Konkani Welfare Association, Mira Road celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) in grandeur. The festivity began with a Konkani mass main celebrant being Fr Dr Dominic Vas (director Dhyanavana- Mysuru) along with Fr Melvin D' unha (parish priest) and Fr Walter D'Souza.

Paddy was blessed and distributed to the people followed by 'vorn' to all the participants.

In the evening 'Konkani Manyata Divas' and 'Novem Jevann' was celebrated at the church hall and terrace hall. The programme began with a prayer dance and welcome dance, by children, followed by welcoming the guests traditionally with 'Paanpod Udaak' by Henry Saldanha. John Crasta (president), welcomed the special guests and Well wishers.

On the dais, eminent personalities namely chief guest Fr Dr Dominic Vas, parish priest and spiritual director Fr Melvynn D’Cunha, 'Maan Monis' (writer/actor/director) Joy Paladka, Sisters from Holy Cross, Ankur and Sneha Sadan Homes, along with president John Crasta, secretary Jerald D'Souza, treasurer Victo Mascarenhas, cultural secretary Hilary D'Silva were present.

The programme was inaugurated by boiling 'Ukado Rice' in the 'Modki' by preparing 'Pej' and served in the 'Malti' with 'karenno chetnni'. This meaningful act took them back to their old village days.

Maan Monis Joy Paladka was felicitated with flowers, fruits, shawl and maan patr. He expressed, "Konkani is a sweet language with several different words of same meaning unlike English which has different words for every family relationship. We should give importance to our native language at home.'

Fr Dominic Vas, in his speech highlighted, “Love of Konkani on Mira Road can be seen by the large crowd gathered here. All languages are good, but we should not neglect our nativer language at the same time."

Fr Melvynn spoke on the need to teach and develop interest for our vernacular- Konkaniin our children. He assured his co-operation for all Konkani programmes to encourage Konkani.

All the guests and donors present, were felicitated with flower bouquets and a copy of 'Taan' Konkani kavita book by Prasann-

The Konkani cultural programme by the children and association members with rib tickling comedy skits, songs and dances got everyone to splits. Jerald offered the vote of

'Noven Jevann' followed immediately for more than 500 people, with seven types of vegetable delicacies and 'Vorn', which reminded everyone of their nostalgic years in Mangaluru. The programme culminated by singing 'Laudate' by all the association members. The entire programme was compered by Henry Sequira in his eloquent style.