Vinod Barboza

Manchester, Sep 9: KCA - UK, a well known Konkani Association in the United Kingdom celebrated the Monthi Fest on September 7 at the Gandhi Hall in Manchester, UK. The Konkani speaking families from different parts of UK gathered on time as one family to fete this joy. This thrilling support from the guests not only renewed the spirit of happiness to fete this feast but also inspired to carry on this feast in a typical Mangalorean culture, custom and tradition.

The celebration commenced with the introduction from Reshma Lobo, Carlisle. This was soon followed by the showers of flowers by the children and the adults as an offering to Infant Mary to commemorate her birthday; whilst the choir simultaneously sang the hymn "Morieak Hogolxieam".

Fr Agnelo B De Souza from London offered the Holy Mass. The first reading was read by Diana Lobo, Manchester and the second by Rita Mendonca, Sunderland. In his homily Fr Agnelo B De Souza stressed the need for a family spirit and the respect for the parents. The choir uplifted the spirit by the melodious singing by the Choir team led by Stanislaus Mendonca, Sunderland and his team members.

The prayers of repentance were read by Savita D’Souza, Preston, Renny Butello, Manchester Laveena Monis, Birmingham, Mural Rego, Cambridge and Janet Rodrigues, Nottingham. The Eucharistic Celebration was elated by the choir team and by the melodious music of Sujith Rodrigues and Joe Andrade from Manchester, which uplifted the spirit and joy of the feast and made the hearts of the congregation merrier.

Prior to the end of the mass, Stany Rodrigues, Manchester offered thanks to Fr Agnelo B De Souza, the choir team and all the people for their devotional participation during the holy mass.

After the holy mass Lisa Barboza, Liverpool, arranged and served the soft drink to all the guests. Joseph Sequiera, Warrington and Vinod Barboza, Manchester, the master of ceremonies brilliantly took the lead to channelize the events for the rest of the day. The president of KCA-UK Ronald Lobo Manchester extended his warm welcome to all the guests.

After this all the elderly people who were amongst the assemblage were invited to the dais to actively participate in mixing the blessed corn with the milk which was later shared with all the guests. Their presence made the guest to remember their family members back in home town and also their near and dear ones.

After the embarked ceremonial procedure came to an end, the cultural activities commenced with the Introduction from Savitha D’Souza, Preston and Welcome Dance performed by the Kids from Sunderland. This was followed by a Melodious song from Ancita D’Souza London.

Traditional meal with seven different types of delicious vegetables, including Sanna, Rice and Vorn were prepared by KCA UK members which were later served to the KCA-UK guests. KCA-UK specially thanked Martin Saldanha and Alwyn Butello Manchester for their dedicated work and also for their planning and co, ordination in arranging the food for all guests in time.

 During the Lunch time Sunderland Kids entertained the kids by their songs and dance.
 
In the post lunch session Sonal Mendonca from Sunderland, Joy Pinto from Nottingham and Lizia D’souza been felicitated by KCA-UK for their ‘Outstanding Grades’ in the GCSC examinations.

The events of the day further continued with performances, hilarious skits and songs by Stany Mendonca Sunderland, Sunil D’Cunha, Mansfield, Ronald Lobo, Vinod Barboza and Charlotte Barboza from Manchester, there was increased participation from kids, which is one of the highlight of the show, Kids from Sunderland are Crystal Furtado, Sinol Mendonca, Ricardo Mendonca, Darren Pinto, Deon Pinto, Carina Furtado, and Channel Mendonca apart from that Sam Saldanha, Joel Saldanha, Shaun Pinto, Stephie Pinto, Rodney Rodrigues and Melisha Barboza from Manchester, Raul Pereira from Carlisle, Cleona Pinto and Errol Sequeira from Warrington, Princey D’sa from Birmingham and Arlene D’Souza Preston all these kids entertained the audiences with their brilliant acts.

The entire dais and back stage activities were coordinated by Rohan Barboza from Liverpool and Rinaldo Buthello from Manchester, Raj Francis Pereira – Carlisle dedicated himself to cover the entire day’s photography.

Santhosh Pinto Manchester was the DJ for the event also responsible for the sound system for the day.

Ronald Lobo Manchester carried out a fund raising event for the Association in the form of auctions of items specially brought from Mangalore, Shailesh Rego, Cambridge, Henry Mendonca, John Furtado, Sunderland and Alwyn Buthello Manchester succeeded in winning this competitive bidding. The fund collected from this auction will be used towards the day’s expenses.

Joseph Sequeira Warrington conducted the Bingo where the prizes were awarded to the winners.

The vote of thanks was given by Lainet Pinto Manchester; she expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone who directly or indirectly supported to make the event a grand success. She also gratefully expressed special thanks to the people who worked behind the screen for days to make the event a very success.

Sincere thanks goes to Members of MUKA – Nottingham for their active participation in a big number and unconditional support during the event.

KCA-UK extended their sincere thanks to Kenneth and Lavina D’Sa Birmingham, Joe and Cecila Andrade, Manchester, Laveena Ivy Castelino – Manchester, Joy and Shalini family Nottingham, Brazil and Ansuya Gomes family Bristol, Dr Alwyn and family Birmingham, Henry and Rita Mendonca family Sunderland, Vincy and Janet Rodrigues family Nottingham, Molly Rego and family Sunderland, Austin and Sunitha family Preston, John and Thelma Furtado family Sunderland, Mervin and Maria Pereira Leicester, Sunil D’cunha and family Nottingham for their financial help.

The event was concluded with a tea followed by lau-da-te and the floor breaking bail dance.