By Eric D'Sa,Pangla

Riyadh, Sep 16: It was a historical day in Riyadh, as all the Konkani speaking groups gathered under one roof 'Konkani Kutam Riyadh' to celebrate the birthday of our most beloved mother Mary, popularly known as Monthi Fest with zest and religious fervor on Friday, September 11. It was a first such event that brought all the Konkani dialect groups under one umbrella.

The prime part of the day 'Birthday Celebration of Mother Mary' the spectacular ceremony began by little children, teenagers and adults showering flowers to the statue of Infant Mary, to the hymn 'Moryek Hogolsiyan'. The beautiful novena service was led by Elias D’Souza Padubelle in konkani dialect. A melodious Konkani choir gave an spiritual grandeur to the prayer services.

After the prayer service, the blessed Novem, (New Corn) was distributed to all the guests in the form of 'Novem mixed with milk'. The delicious homemade vegetarian food consisting of eleven varieties of vegetables and delicious 'vorn', prepared by the families was served to the crowd on banana leaves.

After the food it was time for entertainment evening. Eric D'sa pangla, conducted Konkani music quiz, a replica of the most popular show 'Ami Dhogi Shezara' that is telecasted on every Wednesday on Daijiworld TV channel. The Konkani music quiz was purely based on the Konkani songs and Konkani music legends.

The Nazareth duo, Karen and Kiran, gave a sizzling dance performance that was very well applauded by the crowd. Praveen D'Souza Urwa, Kevin D’Souza Adiyar and Nagraj Bajjal conducted Housie Housie game.

While Amitha Royston Prabhu kept the children busy with her innovative games, youth engaged themselves by playing volleyball. Winner of the games and the game show were given away prizes. There was a collection done for the purpose of construction of the new cathedral in Bahrain.

It was a vibrant and an eventful day, wherein everyone actively participated and enjoyed the 'Monthi Fest'. It is the unity, dedication and commitment of the Konkani members that led to the grand success of the event.