Dubai, Sep 20: USWAS (UAE’s St. Mary's Welfare Association of Shirva) celebrated Monti Fest (Nativity Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary) on Friday the 15th September, 2006 at The Karama Hotel Banquet Hall, Dubai. It was indeed a memorable one with enormous gathering of over 250 people of Shirva Parsihoners along with their relatives, friends & well wishers.
The program started at 11.50hrs with a cordial speech by Irene Quadros, a USWAS member briefing the gathering about the importance of ‘Montifest’.
The traditional celebration of Monti Fest took place in procession headed by two of USWAS committee members Mr. Francis Machado and Mrs. Gladys Correa. They carried the statue of the infant Mary along with ‘Blessed Novem’, which was specially flown from Shirva Parish for the Occasion. Short prayer was conducted by Mrs. Irene Quadros followed by Showering of flowers to Infant Mary by Children & elders as they sang the hymns ‘Sakkad Sangatha Mellyam & Moriyek Hogolsiam’. Novem mixed in Milk served to all. For children sweets & juice were distributed.
Program Started with a welcome hymn ‘Namo Namo Moriye’ by USWAS members. During the stage program, USWAS president Mr. Denis Gomes welcomed the chief guests of the Day, ‘Mogachi Lharan’ famed Vincent Fernandes and Joseph Mathias, Abu Dhabi patron of USWAS. Also on the stage was Dubai’s famous musician and Mogachi Lharan Vol 4, music director Arun Carlo. Chief Guest Vincent Fernandes shared a few words on the occasion and wished everyone Happy Feast and also wished USWAS to carry on the good work. Vice President Ivan Mathias thanked the guests, well-wishers & gathering for their presence and active support to make this occasion a memorable one. USWAS founder president Franky D’souza and founder secretary Vincent Fernandes were also honored on the occasion.
Entertainment session started with dances by Lisha D’souza who danced to tune of Ghoomar De from Hindi Film Chupke Chupke. It was followed by another dance by the duo Micol D’souza & Cleon D’sa who danced to the hit song Jhalak Dik Lajaa. Another dance performance for the folk song ‘Bantan Chali’ was performed by ever charming Andria D’souza. These dance performances were well appreciated by all. Another dance by little Shelwyn Mathias for the mix numbers Baras Ja Badaal & No Entry got a big applause from the crowd.
Canute Mathias of CLEMENTS along with Andria D’souza, Asha Maben and Joy Almeida gave breathtaking performance by singing various numbers in konkani such as Kotrunja, Lharan, Yore Yore and Anjelina. Then Vincent Fernandes mesmerized the crowd with tulu song ‘RADHA’ and Nesan Dhekthan along with Arun Carlo from his recently released album Mogachi Lharan - Vol 4. This was followed by Tun Raja, Madhur Suwad valta, Riyona, Goan song Mogan Aso Borem and hit hindi song Chalte Chalte by Canute Mathias. In between ‘Boscambegaar’ trio Claud D’leema, Sharan D’souza and Denis Mathis presented short skits which made the audience burst into laughter. Arun Carlo provided scintillating background music for the whole program.
Irresistible delicious Mangalorean vegetable lunch was served by Karama Hotel which consisted a good & tasty Vegetarian combination of various types of vegetables with vorn as desert mixed with Novem.
Performers were felicitated by Mr. Joseph & Leena Mathias, Abu Dhabi on behalf of USWAS. In a competitive atmosphere audience took active participation for the auction of the remaining raffle draw tickets, which was finally won by Mr. Joseph Mathias. Anxiousness filled the air during the final moments as the winners of the raffle draw were being announced by Sharan & Canute D’souza.
Evening tea was served and various Spot Prizes were also conducted during the program. Then it was all dance on the floor by full capacity crowd for the electrifying DJ CanMat of CLEMENT’S. The entire event was compered by Manoj Menezes(Manu). Program ended at sharp 5.15 p.m by thanking one and all.
Being away from Shirva, members of USWAS again showed togetherness as one family by celebrating Monti Festh truly as a Family affair. In all, it was a feast of thought-full moments which guests felt as if they had celebrated the same at back home with loved ones.
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