Media Release

Dammam, Sep 10: The Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY) Dammam, Saudi Arabia, celebrated Nativity of blessed virgin Mary, also known as ‘Monthi Fest’ on Friday September 6, at a farm house, here.

The programme began with a warm welcome by SKY president, Ronald Fernandes Shirthady, followed by a prayer service led by uncle Salu.

The statue of Mother Mary and ‘paddy’ specially flown in, from Mangaluru was brought in procession to the accompaniment of the hymn 'Sakkad sangatha Melyan' and little children followed the procession carrying flowers to offer mother Mary.

Melodious Konkani choir was led by JCCF group Dammam, which was supported by the wonderful playing of the keyboard by Sharell Lewis, Alwisha Tauro and Rachel D'Souza.

After the prayer service, blessed Novem - new corn mixed in milk was distributed to everyone.

Delicious homemade vegetarian food consisting of eleven varieties of vegetables including sanna, rice and vorn was served to the crowd on banana leaves, appreciated by everyone for its unique taste of typical Mangalurean flavour.

At the end of lunch, the traditional song, 'Lau-da-te' was sung.

A row of entertainment programmes in the form of games for all age groups namely spot games, Housy game, Lucky dip draw etc followed.

Prizes were distributed to the winners. The biggest prize of the day was 'Impex Trolley Speaker' with multiple features won by Reemal D'Souza.

The entire programme was compered by Ronald Fernandes and games were conducted by Steevan Rodrigues.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Linda Sandeep Crasta. She expressed her gratitude and thanked all the sponsors and everyone who directly or indirectly supported the celebration to make this event a grand success. The support from the gathered people renewed the spirit of happiness and inspired them to carry on this feast in true Mangalurean culture, customs and tradition. The audience enjoyed it to the full and expressed their satisfaction with positive reviews.