Media Release
Dubai, Sep 16: The United Loretto Friends (ULF) celebrated the ‘Monthi Feast’ (Nativity Feast of Mother Mary) and ‘Annual Day Celebration’ on Saturday, September 13, at Nashwan Hall, Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai.
The evening blended devotion, culture and community service, bringing families together to honour a cherished Mangalurean tradition.
Host, Vivian Fernandes opened the programme, explaining the symbolic significance of the new crops used during the feast, a celebration of gratitude, faith and the harvest.
The devotional proceedings began with a moving procession of children and young participants who processed into the hall and stood around the statue of the Infant Mother Mary to strewn flowers, while the congregation sang hymns, creating a serene and reverent atmosphere.
Following the procession, Fr Rocky D’Cunha, Fr Dennis Gabriel Vegus, Fr Victor Fernandes led a prayer session, which included Bible readings and prayers recited by members of the ULF committee.
A short reflection on the bible reading was delivered, reminding the community of the importance of preserving Monthi Feast traditions for the next generation. This devotional part concluded with the distribution of “Noven” the traditional milk drink mixed with the season’s first rice crop.
Fr Rocky D’Cunha, Fr Dennis Gabriel Vegus, Fr Victor Fernandes and Joseph Mathias along with the Rupesh Pinto-president and Arun Barboza-Secretary-United Loretto Friends were present at the stage.
Rupesh Pinto welcomed the guests and everyone. Secretary Arun Barboza read the 2024 annual report, highlighting ULF’s cultural, sports, entertainment as well as social initiatives to help many in need from school-fee assistance and medical aid to funding homes for those in need.
As part of its tradition of recognising community service, ULF felicitated Marina Norma Menezes with the ‘Maan Pothr’ (Letter of Honour) read by treasurer Roy D’Souza and she could not be present at the event due to unavoidable circumstances, but it will be handed over to her personally later.
The evening also honoured Fr Victor Fernandes on his 25th year of priesthood; in his address he traced the origins of Monthi Fest and applauded ULF’s efforts to strengthen the Konkani community.
Dignitaries present at the event - Joe Menezes (Zatek Communication), Kushel D'Souza (KLM Group), Walter Pereira (Mega Speed Cargo), Dayan D’Souza (Daiji Dubai), Joseph Mathias (Merit Freight), RJ Errol, Wilfred Fernandes (Transwheel), Pratap Mendonca (Design Infinity & Vibrant Star), and Lancy D'Souza (Leyton Shipping) were invited on stage and honored with flower by the President of ULF with flowers.
A standout moment was the poster release for Konkan Udkana 2025. The poster was brought to the stage in a unique and evocative manner on a palanquin and formally released by Mr. Kushel D'Souza. KLM Group is our Title Sponsor of Konkan Udkana 2025, in the presence of dignitaries and sponsors.
Konkan Udkana 2025 is scheduled for November 23, 2025 at Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club from 8 am onwards. The Lucky Dip announcement followed, with Pratap Mendonca and Lancy D’Souza officially releasing it on stage. There will be three grand prizes and many more exciting prizes to be won at Konkan Udkana 2025. Attendees were encouraged to reserve their coupons early by contacting ULF members.
Dayan D’Souza, founder member of Daiji Dubai, then addressed the gathering, speaking about ULF’s achievements over the years and the vision behind Konkan Udkana, inspiring the audience to actively support and participate in the upcoming event.
The stage programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Vijesh D’Souza, vice secretary, who expressed gratitude to everyone who played a pivotal role in making the event a grand success.
Entertainment included kids’ folk-dance performances in various coastal languages, a humorous skit by Roy and team, and an energetic dance mashup by the members. Spot games delighted the audience with winners taking home prizes.
Dinner honored Monthi Fest tradition, served on banana leaves with authentic vegetarian dishes prepared using the new crops.
The evening concluded with a spirited Baila, reflecting the joy of community togetherness. The programme underscored ULF’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while serving the community a heartfelt reminder of the power of coming together as one family.