Media Release
Pics: Alban D'Souza
Kuwait, Sep 16: The members of Shirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) along with family members met at the premises of Caesars Dakshin Restaurant, Jleeb Shyoukh, Kuwait on Friday 13 to celebrate Monthi Fest, the birthday of Mother Mary.
The feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is traditionally celebrated as Monthi Fest (Feast) and a feast of family by Mangalorean Catholics around the world with religious fervor and gaiety.
The feast of the new harvest coincides with the birthday of our Lady on September 8. In gratitude for a bountiful yield, the new crop is blessed and prayed over.
The celebration of the day commenced with a thanksgiving prayer and a recitation of Rosary led by committee member Regina Serrao.
Further, there was a welcome and introductory speech by Clifford D'Souza who highlighted the importance of this harvest festival in accordance with the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary.
SWAK secretary Gretta Julia D’Souza led the hymn "Sakkad Sangatha Melyan ani Morriyek Hogalsiyan" sung in unison by one and all among the present. Simultaneously floral offering was done by kids.
Blessed Novem in Milk was served to the gathering. SWAK's ex-president Urban DSouza delivered the festive message by highlighting the importance of mother Mary’s role in Jesus Christ’s life. He recollected his own childhood feelings attached to this festival.
In the midst of the celebration, President Clifford D'Souza conducted various spot prizes and entertained the gathering by games.
Towards the close, Housie Housie was conducted by Anil Menezes, Cultural secretary Robert Mathias and Gilbert Mendonca.
Again President Clifford DSouza gave the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to the committee members, Chef and staff members of Caesars Dakshin Restaurant and all those who contributed towards the staging of this celebration in various forms.
Grace before meal was recited by kids. The pinnacle of this celebration was the appetizing Vegetarian Meal prepared by Caesars Dakshin Restaurant which was served in traditional style on banana leaves. The dining of the harvest meal in unison as one family was indeed the essence of this celebration.
The entire proceedings of the feast day celebration was compered impressively by SWAK's auditor Anil Menezes.