Media Release

Dammam, Sep 16: The coastal Mangalurean and Udupi Christian communities in Dammam came together on Friday to joyfully celebrate Monthi Fest, organized by Saudi Konkan Youngsters (SKY).

The harvest festival, which commemorates the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, began with the recitation of the rosary, followed by children offering flowers to Baby Mary while hymns were sung, fresh paddy stalks brought from Mangaluru were blessed and the feast mass celebrated, delivering a sermon apt for the occasion. Families also presented their first crops to the church, symbolizing their bond with the harvest season.

The choir team from JCCF Dammam led the hymns and music during the mass. After the service, SKY president Alwyn Fernandes honored teachers from the Dammam, Khobar, and Al-Jubail regions. Children who offered flowers to Baby Mary were gifted chocolates.

Members of SKY and JCCF Dammam prepared the traditional vegetarian “Novem Jevan,” featuring seven vegetable dishes along with payasam. The feast highlighted the spirit of togetherness, faith, and family bonding among Mangalureans in the Gulf.

A vote of thanks was proposed by SKY president Alwyn Fernandes, expressing gratitude to all devotees who participated in the celebration.