Report: Florence Miranda
Pics by: Lancy Marwin, Sandeep Fernandes
Dubai, Sep 19: Monthi Fest, the much-loved and traditional feast of Mangalureans, which represents the birthday of our Mother Mary coincides with the festival of new harvest is being celebrated all over the world every year with much fervor and enthusiasm.
Belle Parishioners celebrated the feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary and Novem Jevonn at Eat & Frink Restaurant Garhoud, Dubai on September 18.
The celebration started with a beautiful welcome prayer dance by Rewan and Reia Menezes. The prayer session was conducted by Preema Dsouza. The traditional celebration commenced with hymns, prayer and gospel reading. The corn was blessed and when all sang the traditional Konkani hymn 'Sakkad Sangata Melyam' and 'Moriyyek Hogolsiyan' hymn, the children joyfully showered flowers and honored Infant Mother Mary. Thereafter ‘Novem’ was then distributed to all those who were present.
Godwin D’souza welcomed the gathering. Fr Robert,the parish priest of St Mary’s church Dubai emphasized on the significance of Monthi Feast in his speech. He spoke of the traditional way of Mangalureans celebrating the birth of Mother Mary as a Family Feast where all members join as a family in sharing the joy and happiness.
The senior members of Bellevision Tony Sequeira and Wilfred Menezes were felicitated and lauded for their tremendous support since the initiation of the organization.
An emotional and heart-touching sendoff was given to Felix Alva and his Wife Juliet Alva by Bellevision team. The well-known and famous Emarati Dubai TV serial actor Anas and the Bellevision president Godwin Dsouza honored Felix Alva, Anas thanked Felix for his 22 years of service to his (UAE) country and wished happy retired life. Felix Alva has been a big supporter of Bellevision and was always ready with a big smile to render help in all past events. After putting in 22 years of service in the reputed Dubai Water Electricity in Dubai, Felix decided to call it a day and will taking voluntary retirement for good.
The delicious lunch served by Eat and Frink restaurant with several varieties of vegetables and payasam. Immediate after the lunch cultural program started with the song “MogacheAmcheGhar’ by young and talented anchors Lavina Fernandes, Veera Machado, Jason Miranda and Cyprian Castelino. The live band played by the multitalented kids of Joba Alva Moodubelle. The drums played by little master Henil, Lead guitar by his elder Brother Ruel and their sister Nicole on Keyboard. Their excellent performance was highly appreciated by the crowd.
The party hall was fully packed gathering of over 250 people were entertained with solo and group dances by kids and adults, Konkani, Kannada and Hindi songs sung by young and talented singers of Moodubelle including small kids. Roars of laughter were heard in crowd when humorous Skits were enacted by Avil, Joba and Ronald. The Emarathi TV serial actors , Anas, Abul along with Dolfy Menezes and team presented humorous skit especially dedicated to Felix Alva.
The entire program was compered by young and energetic MC’s – Lavina Fernandes, Veera Machado, Jason Miranda and Cyprian Castelino who kept the gathering alive with their witty and timely quotes.
Ivan Menezes thanked the gathering for making the day a very special one and gratefully acknowledged the efforts of all who dedicated their precious time preparing the traditional ’NovemJevan’.
The entire days program was organized vibrantly,the old and new memories were displayed on the projector screen. Several spot games conducted during the day and evening tea was served at 4 pm.
It is the unity, dedication and commitment of the Bellevision team that led to the grand success of this event.