Jovin D'Souza, Pangla, Dubai
Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Sep 20: The Emirates Pangalites, UAE celebrated their 9th Monthi Feast on Friday September 16 at Bangalore Empire Hotel, Karama, Dubai.
The highlight of the celebrations was the Mother Mary’s grotto prepared by Ignatius Alva and group was appreciated by the attendees.
About 150 enthusiastic Pangalites and their relatives gathered to celebrate the Monthi feast. Walston D’Sa a well known comparer currently in Dubai passionately recounted the olden memories of back home gatherings at a beautiful weather, a plate full of flowers marching towards church, then showers the flowers on Mother Mary grotto.
The traditional celebration commenced with hyms, bajanas, prayer dance, gospel reading followed by a procession by children, young and elders while singing the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam and Moriyek Hogolsiam’.
As a symbolic celebration, the first fruit of the new corn was presented by newlywed couple Vinay and Anita Vaz to the visiting parishioner Cicilia D’Souza. It is a tradition followed by Pangalites that new corn is offered by new daughter-in-law to mother-in-law. Novem was then distributed to all those who were present.
A warm welcome note was addressed to the gathering by the President Vinay Vaz under the slogan “"Sakkad sangatha melya".
The chief guest of the day Joseph Mathias presented a short talk on Monthi feast. He briefly described how the Monthi Feast was originated. He also stressed on the importance of Mother in everybody’s life. He reminded all that it is our duty to respect our mother who toils for us day and night and many a times lands up in the Old-age home.
Entertainment followed soon after by Clevin, Ashwin, Vinay, Joel, Sunil presenting comedy skits, Vidisha and Viola presented the dance and a famous Shala-la-la was sung by Anrika.
Various spot games were efficiently conducted for kids and adults by Walston D'Sa. A traditional vegetarian meal and vorn was served to all by Bangalore Empire hotel itself on shiroti (banana leaves). The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the Joel Quadras.