By Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 14: Konkan Taram, a social, cultural and liturgical association of St Jude's Church, Jerimeri celebrated the feast of Nativity, popularly known as Monthi Fest on the occasion of their 21 Annual day, on Sunday September 11, at 7 am.

As the choir sang the hymn 'Sokkad Songatha Melyam', (Let us Come Together) large number of children walked in procession carrying flowers and showered flowers to the hymn of "Moriyek Hogolsiam” (Let us praise Mother Mary).

Corns (Novem) blessed by Dr Fr Charles Vas SVD, director of Sangeet Abhinay Academy – (a religious institution of song and dance in Mumbai) along with parish priest Fr Nelson Saldhana. Also Fr Charles Vas and Fr Nelson Saldanha celebrated the Solemn Eucharistic Holy mass.

The mass commenced with an introduction and welcome note by Jovila D’souza followed by all readings and prayer of the faithful by all Konkani speaking youth – Lavina D’souza, Leanne Misquith, Rickson Lasrado, Jyoed Rodrigues, Crystal Rebello, Nesline Pinto and Rayan Sequeira.

Fr Charles Vas expressed his joy of being with this parish inspite of his busy schedule and this is the second time, he is celebrating Monti Fest in the parish.  He gave a heart rendering sermon on Mother Mary’s birthday, family feast, feast of new harvest and a day of “Girl Child”.

He stated that he likes the tradition of monti fest as he too was taught by his parents about the importance of monti fest since childhood. He appreciated kids of the parish as in 2004, many kids of our parish participated in his “Konkan Daiz Yatra” held at Shanmukananda Hall, Mumbai.  He also congratulated the members of Konkan Taram for keeping the Konkani spirit high in this Parish.

The choir under the leadership of the choir master John R Mascarenhas, with beautiful music accompanied by Benjamin Miranda enchanted everyone present with their melodious singing and music. The members of the choir were Flora, Melony, Joseph, Kennet, Leo, Jacintha, Juliana M, Maggi, Irene, Mercine, Trizza, Juliana D and Gracy.

A brief felicitation programme was conducted at the end of the mass and Fr Charles Vas – felicitated by John Mascarenhas,  Fr Nelson Saldanha by John Veigas (president-kt),  Fr James D’silva (principal) by Leo D’souza,  Sr Seema  by George Furtado.  Flora Dsouza felicitated Jacintha Coutinho, member of association and wished a fond farewell as she will be shifting from Jerimeri to her new residence at Thane.

During felicitation programme, SSC toppers were honored with gift vouchers sponsored by George Furtado and certificates of appreciation were given to them as an encouragement for other children too.

John Mascarenhas ( treasurer ) compeered the programme  and thanked Lawrence D’souza (senior konkani activist), Walter Dsouza, social worker and supporter, The choir group for their melodious singing, Flora, Melony and Monica for their highest collection, all the donors and parishioners for their continued support, co-operation and encouragement.

Thereafter, in the evening at 7 pm traditional Novem Jevann was celebrated with the members of association and their families.   Flora D’Souza was the compeer of the evening. 

The programme began with prayer by Joseph D’souza.  A moment of silence was kept in honor of late Sunny A D’souza (well wisher and supporter of KT) and Late J B Sequeira.

As an entertainment part, Magnus and Magnum Nazareth (the 2 brothers) presented their speeches (maka monti fest barem lagta ani mozo gaum jerimeri - haum tuka abhari) respectively. 

Along with them, also Anselin Coellho presented a speech (ho konn ani tho konn).  Youth of the Parish Jovila and Crystal performed dance on Remo’s Number “ye nari ye, amchia ghari ye”. 

All these children bagged the first and second prizes from the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Maharashtra and Goan Institute.

KT Members wished Walter and Anitha D’souza on their 26 wedding anniversary and president John Veigas thanked Flora D’souza for her highest collection.

Thereafter fun and frolic begin with group game, singing Konkani numbers etc. Soon after the fun session, grace before meals was recited by Jacintha D’souza.  Novem and dinner served in a traditional way on plantain leaves with all verities of vegetarian food.

Programme was concluded with Laudate and cheering Konkan Taram Association.