Media Release
Wembley, Sep 16: UK Konkans and Konkani Kutam London (KKL) Monthi Fest 2025, a celebration of the Nativity of Mother Mary, took place on Sunday, September 14, at Oakington Manor Hall in Wembley, UK. The event was jointly organised which turned into a truly memorable day for the Konkani community in the UK. Although the weather forecast was not promising, everyone was blessed with bright sunshine, setting the perfect tone for the festivities. With more than 350 guests in attendance, it was an inspiring day of faith, culture and togetherness.
The celebration began with the solemn procession of Infant Mary's statue, the blessing of the new corn and the traditional flower offering. A beautiful Holy Mass in Konkani was then celebrated by Fr William Menezes, with hymns led by Shanti Menezes and her choir team. The offertory and readings were gracefully coordinated by Matilda D'Souza, Geeta Lobo and Zeena D'Souza, while altar servers and volunteers ensured everything flowed smoothly.
Following the Mass, guests enjoyed a traditional vegetarian meal lovingly prepared by Juliet and Melvin Rodrigues and their hardworking team. Delicious idlis were specially prepared by Flossy Fernandes, Sheela D'Silva, Mabel Rebello and Sunita D’costa, while drinks were provided by Melanie and Justin Rodrigues. The meal reflected the spirit of Monthi Fest, bringing families together to share in gratitude and joy.
The cultural programme showcased the richness of Konkani talent. The audience was entertained with soulful songs by Eric D'Souza, Zinele Pinto, Gratian D'Souza, Chriselle Menezes, Gizelle Pinto, Laveena Saldanha, Hazel Mendonca and Lavina D’Cruz with her daughter. Adding colour and energy to the stage were dance performances by Analisa and Anastasia Fernandes; Melanie Rodrigues, Crino Fernandes, Jeevan Lasrado, Renisha Pinto, Clifford and Cheryl Menezes, Derick and Divya D'Souza, and Santan and Flossy Fernandes; Chriselle, Riva, Jenita, Jaden, Denisha and Delena; Diyala and Darlene Mendonca; Gizelle and Zinele Pinto; and Princely and Laurel Monis. A hilarious comedy skit by Eric and Alice drew plenty of smiles and applause. Each performer singer, dancer or actor added to the joy of the occasion.
Auctions conducted by the ever-energetic MC Gaywin brought excitement to the afternoon. The first auction was won by Paulina D'Souza and the second by Rohan Pais, both of whom were thanked for their generous support. A lucky draw added another joyful moment, with George Quadros emerging as the winner with coupon number 157. A special moment of pride was the felicitation of young achievers. Congratulations to Ethan Deon Menezes, Venisha Rachel Lobo and Simran Genelia D'Souza for completing their GCSEs, to Leon Rebello and Cornell D'Souza for success in their A Levels, to Jeevan Lasrado, Roy Fernandes and Elvin D'Souza on their Graduation, and to Melanie Rodrigues for attaining her Professional Graduate Diploma in Education. Certificates for the student achievers were awarded by Fr William Menezes, who blessed and encouraged them to shine in their future paths.
Mementos and certificates of appreciation for sponsors and volunteers were presented by Zeena D'Souza, Julie Fernandes, Sheela D'Silva and Tom D'Souza, recognising the generous support and hard work that made the festival possible. The entire celebration was masterfully tied together by MC Gaywin, whose humour, warmth and energy kept the programme engaging from start to finish, and the evening closed in true Konkani style with lively music including Bollywood hits and Baila by DJ Chico, bringing guests of all ages to the dance floor.
The success of Monthi Fest 2025 was made possible by tireless volunteers. Special appreciation goes to Julie Fernandes for altar decorations and guidance, Rhea Williams for the backdrop decorations, and Beena D'Souza and team for the Mother Mary Photo Booth. Ceaser and Santan Fernandes looked after parking and security, Sylvester D'Souza, Sheldon and Lloyd D'Sa captured the day through photography, and Lavita D'Souza served as First Aider throughout.
A heartfelt word of gratitude goes out to all members of Konkani Kutam London (KKL) for their collective efforts in organising, volunteering and performing. Their unity and teamwork were instrumental to the event's smooth running. Particular thanks go to Julie Fernandes, Glenn Pinto, Zeena D'Souza, Matilda D'Souza, Ceaser Fernandes, Geeta Lobo, Juliana Siquiera, Melvin Rodrigues, Santosh D'Souza, Lloyd D'Sa, Analisa Fernandes, Anastasia Fernandes and every other KKL member who contributed on stage and behind the scenes. In closing remarks, Mrs. Julie Fernandes, President of KKL, thanked all the guests and everyone for their efforts, while Tom D'Souza, on behalf of Kevin Madtha, president of UK Konkans, expressed gratitude to each and every person for their support and participation.
The event was further supported by a generous community of sponsors: Richard & Christine Lobo; Rohan & Farita Pais; Vincent & Shanthi Menezes; Urban & Shanthi Menezes; Jeevan & Caroline Lobo; Kevin & Mini Madtha; Eric & Alice D'Souza; Raphael & Margaret D'Souza; Herald & Gretta D'Souza; Gratian & Sheela D'Silva; Tom & Beena D'Souza; George & Jacintha Quadros; Peter & Leena Desa; Rudolf & Violet Borges; Santan & Flossy Fernandes; Precilla Fernandes; Vincent & Geeta Lobo; Michael D'Souza and family; Felix & Carmin Lobo family; Matilda D'Souza; Denzil & Eva Mathias; Jerald & Gracy Mendonca; Juliana Siqueira and family; Riva Fernandes; Rio Fernandes; Crino Fernandes; Glenn Pinto & Zeena D'Souza; Ceaser & Reena Fernandes; Deepak & Melissa Menezes; Flora Fernandes & Family; Roshan & Tasveer Puthran; Chetan & Agnes Bhor; Prakash & Precilla D'Souza; Clifford & Cheryl Menezes; Leena Lewis and family; and Santhosh & Lavita D'Souza. Their generosity and encouragement were deeply appreciated by all.
Monthi Fest 2025 was not just an event; it was a heartfelt celebration of faith, tradition and togetherness. It brought the community together as one family to honour Mother Mary, rejoice in Konkani culture and strengthen bonds of friendship and unity leaving lasting memories for everyone who attended. ??
Konkani Kutam London Facebook Profile:
https://www.facebook.com/share/19qZtN8Bpu/?mibextid=wwXIfr