Report by Wilma Shilpa D’Souza
Pics by Melrick D’Souza

Abu Dhabi, Sep 14: A Mangalorean friends group in Abu Dhabi celebrated the feast of Nativity on Friday 12th September 2013 at Arab Udupi Banquet Hall, Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Ronald D’Souza addressed and briefed about the importance of Monthi Fest and welcomed the gathering to this unique traditional celebration as a family. Children carrying the fresh flowers walked in a small procession and showered them on the statue of blessed Infant Mary. Mr. Maxim Pereira and group lead the prayer and sung various hymns which added the spirit of devotion in the gathering.

Gurkar of the day Mr. Edward D’Souza invited everyone to have blessed traditional vegetarian meal by offering water in ‘Chembu’. Blessed Novem mixed in milk was served to all and a traditional feast meal with Mangalore flavors prepared by Arab Udupi was served on Banana leaves along with vorn.

Mr. & Mrs. Sarvotham Shetty were the special guests at the gathering. They congratulated the Konkani community for their devotion, fellowship and celebrating the feast as one single family.

A fashion show by male in female version by Manoj, Ajith, Maxim & Rusy attracted the gathering. Also the melodious live singing by Ronald, Maxim, Divya, Nanditha, Jasmine and Melrick added zest and flavor to this celebration.

Rony M and Melrick conducted few games and spot prices for which Fresh fruits and flowers were distributed to the lucky winners.

Around 100 Mangaloreans living in Abu Dhabi were gathered. The Program was well compered by Mr. Ronald D’Souza and he also thanked all for their kind support.