Media Release
Pics: Menino Fernandes
Dubai, Oct 3: Ferarite families recently celebrated the feast of Nativity of the blessed virgin Mary at Bangalore Empire Restaurant, Karama with great devotion. Over 100 members from Ferar parish and guests took part in the celebration with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm and enjoyed the whole event.
Vincent Pereira, the founder and present honorary president welcomed the guests and spoke about the traditional fest. He recounted old memories of how the fest was celebrated with family members back home.
Meanwhile, Joyal Prajwal Moras, a talented and upcoming anchor was introduced to the crowd by the president.
The traditional celebration commenced with hymns, prayer and a gospel reading by vice-president, Lawrence Cutinha.
The statue of infant Mary was venerated with flowers amidst singing of the traditional Konkani hymn 'Sakkad Sangata Melyam' and 'Moriyyek Hogolsiyan’. Several children participated in the floral showering.
After the traditional floral showering, a devotional welcome dance was performed by two talented sisters Vidisha and Viola.
Dubai’s well-known singers and artistes (driver Sikeram and Mummy retired Zata fame) Dony and Asha Correa, Joseph Mathias, The Noronha family (Lancy, Shyna and Lanita) and famous anchor Roshan D’Silva enthralled the audience with foot-tapping songs in different languages. Dancers Vidisha and Viola and magic show by famous magician Anthony Mascarenhas and his daughter ensured complete entertainment for the guests.
Ferarites regular sponsors, well-wishers and all the artistes were given floral honour by the committee members. Joseph Mathias in his powerful message emphasized the need to follow traditions and values set by the elders and highlighted the importance of preserving Konkani.
Noven prayer was read by Clara Fernandes, distribution of Noven and blessing of food was held by ace anchor, singer and artiste Dony Correa. Delicious food with nine types of vegetarian items were served by Bangalore Empire Restaurant.
Ferarite committee members and Dorin Sequeira supported the programme from the beginning to the end.
The entire responsibility of decorating infant Mary’s statue was taken up by Wilma and Daniel Machado who did a commendable job.
Joyson D’Souza, the DJ for the day conducted the whole show beautifully. Freelance photographer Menino Fernandes captured beautiful images by his professional camera.
The president, in his vote of thanks, thanked all the sponsors, well-wishers and all those who supported the event. He appreciated and acknowledged their support for the past 12 years.
A raffle draw was conducted beautifully by Leslie Pinto and Alwyn Fernandez. Attractive prizes like gold chain with pendant- Regalo brand sponsored by Liali Jewellers represented by Naveen D’Souza, Redmi mobile phone, party music system, blender and steam iron were drawn during the raffle.
The whole programme was meticulously planned and conducted with wit and grit by anchor and artiste Joel, who last year released his Konkani album song Moga Mojhea (can be viewed on YouTube)
The programme ended with a Baila dance.