Media Release

Chicago, Sep 12: The Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA), celebrated its annual unique cultural programme of Monthi Fest at St Hubert’s Church Hall in Hoffman Estate, Illinois.

The event signifies the pure and simple love and devotion of Mother Mary in accepting the heavenly call and sharing her life towards betterment of the human race. Traditionally, this event also signifies the unity and nurturance among kith and kin by offering the new crop to the Creator and partake it with family. This celebration is similar in its concept to Ganesh Chaturthi in India, Onam in Kerala and thanksgiving in USA. The programme was well attended by the Mangalurean Catholics around Illinois and surrounding States.

The programme began with a procession of celebrants and children offering flowers to express their love, respect and devotion to the birth of Mother Mary. With the singing of ‘Sokkod Sangatha Mellyam’ and ‘Moriyek Hogollsiyam’, children were rejoicing with admiration, joy and respect in offering flowers to Infant Mary.

The MKCA vice president, Lancy D’Souza welcomed all the attendees at the program and introduced attendees, who came for the program for the first time. He thanked all the participants for taking part in MKCA family programs for the past 16 years. He acknowledged Fr Mike Scherschel for his support to MKCA.

Fr Carlos Pereira, blessed the new crop (Novem), which was produced in India and all the participants partook the ‘Novem in Roce’. The programme compere Steven D’Souza, requested all the participants to savour the taste of Mangalurean snacks and the open bar.

The attendees were excited to participate in games arranged by Roopa Mesquita. The festive mood was all around the hall and children did exploit the full use of the program by running around and dancing in-and-around the floor.

There was a wonderful Bonanza of Vegetable Menu consisting 9 items along with ‘Sannam’ (idli) and dessert ‘Vorn’ for the dinner to relish on. All this was home prepared by the MKCA family members. All the attendees were happy and content to have these authentic Mangalurean dishes.

The participants enjoyed taking over the floor and dance till they dropped to the tunes of Konkani, Hindi, Spanish and English songs provided by DJs Damita and Sebastian D’Souza.