Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 16: The feast of Nativity popularly known as ‘Monthi Fest’ was celebrated with religious favors at St Anthony Church in Vakola, Santacruz East. The event was organized by Vakolacho Taalo with their decennial celebration.The service commenced at 6 pm.

Children and elders carrying the fresh flowers walked in a procession and showered them to blessed Infant Mary and gathered near the church grotto. This was followed by floral offerings to Blessed Infant Mary by the congregation singing traditional hymns Sokkod Sangatha Meliam and Moriek Hogolsiam. Then parish priest blessed new grains. Parish Priest Fr Anthony D’souza concelebrated the Holy Mass in Konkani. Parish Priest stress the importance of Monthi Fest with family values. At the end of the feast Mass, Vakolacho Taalo a cultural association was then served coffee, cake and sugar cane outside the church to all parishioners.

Soon after the mass cultural program was organized by Vakolacho Tallo Association held in St Anthony’s School Hall. The association is celebrating its decennial year the President Genevieve Lewis welcomed the guest and also thanked the donors who supported since last ten years. An hour-long cultural program was organized by member of Vakolacho Taalo and Jerry Bondel and his team entertained with jokes, dance and popular Konkani songs. Association Members performed the dance which crowd applauded and demanded once more, once more. A sumptuous traditional meal and vorn was served to all. The program concluded with grand baila and masala dance.

Parishioners, friends and relatives likewise more than 500 people participated in cultural program. The entire proceeding of the feast day celebration was compared by association secretary Mabel Pereira. Celebrations concluded singing famous Latin Hymn ‘Lavdate Domino’.