By Vinod Lewis
Pics by Prem Crasto
Kuwait, Sep 18: Kuwait Brahmavar Welfare Association (KBWA) celebrated ‘Monthi Fest' with devotion and grandeur on September 13 at Symphony Auditorium, Riggae.
KBWA has been organizing Monthi Fest on a grand scale in the past 10 years by providing a platform to all Brahmavargaars to come together to celebrate the Monthi fest with traditional flavour recreating fond memories of Monthi Fest as we celebrate back home in our native place.
Master of ceremony, Thomas D'Souza gave a brief introduction about the programme and welcomed all the dignitaries and guests.
The programme commenced with singing the theme song of the association. The new corn was brought in procession to the accompaniment of hymns sung.
Fr Valerian D'Silva OFM Cap along with other priests blessed the new corn. All the children enthusiastically participated in offering flowers to mother Mary.
Visiting priest Fr Valerian D'Silva OFM Cap, Fr Dominic Sequiera SDB, parish priest Salmiya, Fr Noel Almeida, parish priest, Abbasiya, Fr Jacob Thomas, vicar St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Kuwait, Fr Giju George, associate, Fr Liju Ponnachan, vicar St Gregorios Indian Orthodox Church, Kuwait, Fr Aju K Varghese St Thomas Mission were the guests of honour at the programme.
The president, L J D’Souza escorted the guests to the dais. D’Souza extended a warm welcome to all the dignitaries and guests and expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation extended. The invited dignitaries were felicitated with a bouquet.
The joint secretary, Dian Lobo presented a brief report of the activities of the association, highlighting the events of the past year and donations given toward worthy cause.
Fr Valerian D'Silva in his keynote address congratulated KBWA members for organizing Monti Fest on a grand scale and invited everyone to remember their roots and to keep their traditions alive. Other guests of honour also gave a brief message. Vice president, Ozwald D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
A variety of cultural programmes were performed by talented children and members of the association.
It was a time for 'Family Meal' and Fr Noel D'Almeida conducted the grace before meals. As per Mangalurean tradition, the vegetarian meal comprising of a variety of vegetables like Alu Dento, Tendli - chana, Bhendi, Beans, Kuvalon Bapat and Vorn were served on banana leaves. Brahmavargaars signature item, home-cooked 'Fish Curry' was the highlight of the lunch appreciated by one and all.
Around 175 guests were present on the occasion. They thanked the organization for recreating the Monthi Fest celebration in native flavour. Everyone appreciated KBWA for the well-organized celebrations.