Daijiworld News Network - Muscat [Clarence Pinto & Dilip Correa]
Ghala, Muscat, Sep 9: The Monthi Fest (Nativity Feast ) celebrations continued in the Sultanate of Oman. Konkani speaking community of Ghala parish had organized a superb spiritual ceremony to specially honor Heavenly Mother, bless new harvest corn flown from India and then, a fascinating cultural event along with Novem Jevann (Vegetarian Meal ).
Holy Spirit Church – Ghala is arround 20 kms from the capital city and has many active Konkani speaking faithful. This parish covers upto Barka city in the Batinah Coast.
The ceremony started at the Grotto with blessings of the Bambino (Statue of Infant Mother), new corn brought from Mangalore and holy pictures by Fr John Baptist Saldhana along with our own Mangalorean priest in Oman and Assistant Parish Priest of Sts Peter & Paul Church - Ruwi, Fr Albert D Silva and Fr Felix Ferao, Assistant Parish Priest of St Anthony’s Church Sohar. When the choir sang “ moriyek hogoll’shiyam” hymn children joyfully showered flowers and honored Infant Mother.
After the showering of flowers, Holy Mass celebration commenced in the church. Fr. J. B. Saldhana, visiting priest from St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore Diocese was the main celebrant. Fr Albert D Silva and Fr Felix Ferao had joined Fr Saldhana as concelebrants.
Konkani Choir, led by Francis D’Mello, sang some good and traditional hymns.
After the mass. holy pictures and corn were distributed to all the faithful and treat packets were given to all the children.
After the spiritual ceremony, Konkani Speaking community’s leaders A. L. Monis and Melanie Tauro and their team had organized a beautiful cultural program to enthrall the community people and also Novem Jevaann at the basketball court.
After the traditional welcome dance by Tanya Pinto, Lavina D Sa welcomed Fr Saldhana, Fr Felix Ferao and Fr Albert D Silva, chief guests of the evening, to the stage. A. L. Monis and Melanie Tauro were also present. Traditional lamp (Divo) was lit by the chief guests. Valerian Crasta, prominent Mangalorean of the parish, offered traditional welcome with Udhak and Pan Pod.
There was a grand cultural program anchored by well known Konkani writer Nirmala Goveas. Nirmala had systematically presented the full event with a superb malice of beautiful Konkani.
Lolita Sequeira presented ‘Nitya Sahaya Mathe’ dance. She was supported by Freya D Mello as Mother Mary, Elrika and Megan D Souza as angels.
There was a group dance called “Yesu Nanna Jothegiruvaga” by Priyanka Mendonca, Roshayl Rodrigues, Shannon Menezes and Melissa Goveas. Triven Goveas was Jesus and Alston, Anshul, Elrika and Megana were the children.
Very charming young boy – Alston Goveas presented a scintillating Konkani Song – Mai Gavn and was appreciated by many.
After Glanet Castelino mesmerized the audience with her solo dance, there was a beautiful medley by Tania, Ruwina, Samantha, Lolita, Joylin, Freya and Sheryl.
Talented young trio, Linyl, Loyal and Erwin presented very entertaining skit – Ye Dolla. Carol and Rashel Fernandes, sisters presented duet dance.
Konkani speaking community had prepared delicious Novem Jevaann with various vegetarian delicacies. People enjoyed the traditional meal and joyfully wished each other – Bhagi Monthi Fest Tumkam.
The Ghala Konkani community had worked hard to organize such a grand function in their parish.
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