Media Release
Bahrain, Sep 16: Konkani Kutam Bahrain celebrated the Feast of Nativity or Monthi Fest with grandeur and fervor on September 13 at the Papillon Banquet Hall with a gathering of over 200 members and guests.
The event started at 5.30 pm with the compere Felcy Fernandes welcoming the gathering to the celebration. Felcy mentioned the beauty of monthi festh is when children come forward to offer flowers to infant Mary and invited Ruth Maria D’mello to share what Monthi fest means to her.
Felcy then invited Henry D’Almeida, Convenor of Konkani Kutam Bahrain to lead the procession carrying the statue of infant Mary followed by Ronald Fernandes carrying the blessed corn. Visiting priest Fr William Miranda led the prayers, Teena D’souza read the Word of God and Stany D’souza offered the bidding prayers. Felcy then invited the children to join the procession carrying flowers and honour the beautifully decorated statue of Infant Mary with flowers, while the present members sang the hymns followed by distribution of ‘Roce’ to the gathering. Henry D’Almeida the convenor of Konkani Kutam delivered the festal message and shared the experience he had during his childhood how monthi feasth was celebrated at homes in Mangaluru about 50 years ago.
This was followed by short cultural programme compered by Arun Fernandes. A classical welcome dance was performed by Ayona, Echelle and Delisha. Sandra, Shanthi, Reema, Vanitha, Anitha, sang a group song/hymn while Prinson and Deil played Guitar Keyboard. Teena sang a solo number.
This was followed by fusion dances by Sea Guys members Ethan, Ronith, Ryden, Chris and Crystal and another by Michelle, Susan, Lynn, Crystal, Ankit, Vian, Reemal and Roshan choreographed by Ajay, Sonia and Malcolm. Hilarious comedy skits titled ‘Undir’ was performed by Stany, Sujay, Maxim and Felcy and another titled ‘Police’ performed by Stany, Sujay, Maxim, Avinash and Teena both written and directed by Stany D’souza. Another fusion dance was performed by Destiny Kings Dance Crew members Alvita, Ruth, Rebecca, Ferryl, Clarissa, Sherlin and Sharon Choreographed by Preetham Acharya. Ronald Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, he thanked all those gathered, participants, the well-wishers and supporters who had whole heartedly supported the Nativity feast celebration with their contributions.
The grace before meal was led by another visiting priest Fr Francis Rodrigues, parish priest of Vorkady parish near Mangaluru. A sumptuous vegetarian meal was served on banana leaves followed by ‘vorn’.