Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje/Justin Dsilva

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Sep 8: The feast of Our Lady of Nativity, popularly known as Monthi Fest, was celebrated with devotion and joy in churches across the coastal districts of Mangaluru and Udupi on Monday, September 8.

The celebration, which commemorates the birth of Mother Mary, followed the nine-day novena and carried deep cultural significance as a harvest festival among Catholics.

At the solemn Masses held in parishes, freshly harvested rice grains were blessed and distributed to the faithful. Families later gathered to share a festive vegetarian meal, traditionally prepared with a variety of locally grown vegetables.

St Lawrench Church, Bondel, Mangaluru

Mother of Sorrows Church, Udupi

Monthi Fest is celebrated by Konkani-speaking Catholic communities around the world, as a tradition with great devotion and reverence. 

Monthi Fest celebrations across the world:

Mangalore diocese 

• Holy Cross Church Cordel, Kulshekar
• Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte

Udupi diocese 

• St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle
• St Maria Goretti Church, Hirgan
• Holy Family Church, Brahmavar 

Shimoga diocese

• Our Lady of Velanganni Sub Station of Holy Family Church, Chitradurga

Bangalore archdiocese

• St Francis de Sales Church, Hebbagodi
  

Ireland

• Konkans Ireland
  

Kuwait

• Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA)
  

USA

• Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association (MKCA)
  
• Konkani community of Austin