Media Release
Doha, Sep 20: The birth of Mother Mary, popularly known as ‘Monthi Fest’, is one of the most cherished feasts of the Konkani community of Mangaluru. Celebrated with devotion, grandeur, and togetherness across the globe, this feast is fondly remembered as a family feast that brings loved ones together in joy, faith, and tradition.
With the aim of preserving the rich culture and heritage of Mangaluru, Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Doha, Qatar celebrated Monthi Fest on September 12, at the DPS Monarch School Auditorium. As every year, MCC upheld this tradition with the blessing of the new corn and the sharing of the Novem Jevan, symbolizing unity and gratitude for the fruits of labour.
The evening began with comperes Melissa Tauro and Freeda Seema warmly welcoming the gathering and explaining the significance of the feast. A touching rendition of the Konkani hymn ‘Moriye Mogachi Mai’ by more than 35 children’s choir, trained by MCC advisor Alwyn D’Souza, set the devotional tone.
This was followed by the MCC anthem song presented by the MCC executive committee members. The cultural programme unfolded vibrantly with a lively folk dance choreographed by Derick Crasta, duet singing by Christle Pinto and Rolwin Quadras, followed by an energetic young men’s ‘Rhythm Kings’ dance choreographed by Derick Crasta and a rib-tickling comedy act ‘Risk Naka’ by Amith Mathias and Savious Crasta. Children’s performances: ‘Free Style Flyers’ (ages 9–12) trained by Anet Noronha and ‘Mini Marvels’ (ages 4–8) choreographed by Jennifer Pinto won the hearts of all audience with their cute performances.
A special highlight was a tribute to Eric Bab Ozario presented by Reena Castelino, recognizing his immense contribution to Konkani music and culture. Through his visionary leadership, Mandd Sobhann and MCC Qatar worked together to organize numerous Konkani events, playing a pivotal role in bringing global recognition to the Konkani language and heritage.
The stage programme followed with president Denzil Christine Lobo and vice president Ryan Renjar leading the guest of honour Dr Lavina Noronha (director, Ave Palliative Care, Vamanjoor) and guest priest Fr Manohar Mervin D’Souza to the stage along with founder member and Advisor Jerald D’Mello. Guests were welcomed with flowers by ex-com members Lavita Rodrigues and Preema Frank.
President Denzil Christine Lobo in his welcome address welcomed all dignitaries from Karnataka based associations with flowerpots by the ex-com members. He thanked sponsors, volunteers and his ex-com for an exceptional support in organizing the event. He announced the forthcoming MCC programmes for the year. President Denzil Christine Lobo introduced Reena Castelino as the new MCC advisor and founder member Jerald D’Mello honoured her with a shawl.
Academic achievers who scored above 85% in classes 10 and 12 (2024–25), as well as those excelling in extracurricular activities, were honoured. Teachers who completed 10 years of dedicated service in Qatar were also recognized during the event.
Teachers:
1. Seema Gonsalves
2. Dr Ignatious Preetish Pinto
3. Mishal Lovely Lobo
4. Lynel Jason Lobo
5. Zeena Martis
6. Jenifer Stephen Pinto
7. Ida Sonia Lewis
8. Dr Primal Vivin Pinto
12th standards:
1. Samantha D’Souza - 94.6%
2. Trisica Mahima D’Souza - 94.4%
3. Nichelle Ann D’Souza - 92.6%
4. Rishon Marvin Saldanha - 88.4%
5. Keith Lobo - 86%
6. Viola Pearl Monteiro - 85%
10th standards:
1. Naith Cayden Pinto - 84%
2. Shaun Ethan D’Sa - 91.4%
3. Sarah Maria D’Silva - 91.4%
4. Sohan Santhosh Kundar - 90.4%
Phd:
Dr Glen Cletus Dsouza
Extra-curricular activities:
1. Thea Lobo - Swimming
2. Rouvin Sylvain Aranha - Basketball
3. Jonathan Victor D’Souza - Olympaid
4. Crizelle Pearl Pinto - Chess & Basketball
5. Gladwin Furtado - Javelin Throw
6. Vania Vas - Badminton
MCC’s annual newsletter Sugandh Issue #27 was officially released by Fr Manohar D’Souza and presented by the editor, Savious Crasta, in the presence of all advisors and committee members. Savious Crasta expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him in bringing out this edition of Sugandh and was honoured with a memento for his dedicated efforts.
Guest of honour Dr Lavina Noronha was introduced by cultural secretary Primal Pinto and read her ‘Maan Pathr’ (citation). She was then honoured with a shawl by Jerald D’Mello, memento by president along with Maan Pathr and fruit basket by advisory members. In her address, Dr Lavina delivered a heartfelt and meaningful speech, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness in what one has and encouraging everyone to express their feelings when needed. Following this, Fr Manohar blessed the roce and the traditional food, after which the Novem Roce was distributed to all attendees. President thanked main cook Jyothi Pereira with a memento, who led the cooking of the delicious Novem Jevan. The stage programme was compered by Joyston D’Mello.
A presentation on Rohan Corporation, a prominent builder based in Mangaluru, was delivered by ex-com members Lavita Rodrigues and Ryan Renjar. Rohan Corporation was the main sponsor.
The stage then came alive with a vibrant dance performance by teenagers which was choreographed by Derick Crasta. The evening's major highlights included a beautifully presented Nativity skit in Konkani taking back to the origin of Monthi Fest in Mangaluru by children, directed by Primal Pinto. A melodious Konkani medley was presented by singers led by Naveen D’Souza, ‘Vintage Shakers’ dance choreographed by Sean Fernandes was presented by seniors which was greatly appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Rib-tickling comedy play ‘Shegunachi Sun’ scripted and directed by Jason Menezes’ left the audience in split of laughter. A sizzling finale dance ‘Baila Beats Nach’ by adults was choreographed by Carol D’Cunha.
All choreographers, skit directors and trainers were honoured with a memento by advisory members.
The comperes also engaged the audience with fun spot games judged by advisor Reena Castelino and winners receiving the gifts from president Denzil Christine Lobo and vice president Ryan Renjar.
The vote of thanks was delivered by joint cultural secretary Sean Fernandes. Mementos were presented to comperes Freeda, Melissa, Joyston, and technical support Vivek Mascarenhas.
Earlier in the day, MCC volunteers gathered at Jerald D’Mello’s residence to prepare the traditional Novem Jevann under the leadership of Jyothi Pereira, assisted by Vivian D’Souza (Roce) and David D’Souza (Vorn). Advisors Sunil D’Silva, Ronald Saldanha, and their team handled logistics, while lady volunteers lovingly prepared sannas at home.
The sumptuous vegetarian feast of seven items, along with aloo dhento, sannas, and sweet vorn, was relished by all, truly reflecting MCC’s motto, ‘Yeya ek Kutam Bandhya’.
MCC extended heartfelt gratitude to its sponsors, members, and volunteers for their tireless support. The event was beautifully captured by photographer Umesh and videographer Anees and Melwin Fernandes. Videos are available on the MCC Qatar YouTube Channel.