Media Release
Kuwait, Sep 23: United Mangaloreans Kuwait (UMK) got together at a hall in Salmiya, to celebrate its 10th Monthi Fest – the solemn feast of the Nativity of the blessed virgin Mary on September 13.
The programme began with welcome by master of ceremony Venesha Coutinho, followed by a procession led by Nancy and Steven Pinto and traditional flowers offering by the little children to mother Mary, accompanied by singing ’Sakkad Sangatha Mellyan’ and ‘Moriyek Hogolsiyan’.
Vrinda Lewis led the prayer session. Philomena Saldanha recited the opening prayer and invoked the blessings on the gathered. Shannu D’Souza, Nancy Pinto, Sharu Pereira, Lucy Aranha and Levnis Suares offered prayers of the faithful. Daniella Lobo, Riya Saldanha, Aaral Noronha, Nicole Machado and Sarah Lobo recited the rosary in Konkani.
Blessed corn (Novem) distributed in the milk by Lucy Aranha and family.
Gurkar (Leader) of UMK Agnel Saldanha addressed the gathering.
In his speech, Agnel Saldanha expressed his gratitude to each and everyone who supported UMK all these 10 years to keep it united and work for noble cause of helping the underprivileged. Also, he requested all to support UMK while celebrating 10th anniversary in a grand manner on Friday November 1 at American International School auditorium, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait.
Treasurer Praveen Castelino appealed the gathered to support whole heartedly for the forthcoming event of 10th anniversary.
President of Belle Welfare Association Albert Pereira and president of KCWA Maria Rinna Mathias were felicitated with flowers.
Nirmala Machado and Andrea Pinto conducted interesting games as part of the entertainment.
Tiny tots led the prayer before the meal.
Founder member, Clifford Aranha declared the meals open by offering traditional ‘chembu’.
DJ Shannu D’Souza played devotional hymns, which added beauty to the ceremony. Sound was provided by Rony and Asha Mascarenhas.
Prem Crasto and Anil Avil Fernandes captured the moments.
Coordinator of the day’s event Sharal Barboza proposed the vote of thanks.
Keeping up the tradition of the harvest festival, authentic Mangalurean vegetarian dinner was served while seated on the floor. Guests enjoyed the verities of vegetables, mouth-watering pothrode and vorn eaten on the shiroti (banana leaf).
Food was pooled and all the expenses of the event were shouldered by the UMK members.
The event concluded with ‘Laudate’.